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Braised Pork Ribs

Theresa PizarroLeave a comment

Braised Pork Ribs

I crave barbeque ribs once in a while, but my very first attempt years ago involved too much work (boil, drain, grill covered, turn, grill and baste, etc.) and since I’m not good with the grill, I turned half of it into ashes. 

Fast forward to my birthday two months ago…my awesome coworkers put together a delectable potluck lunch that included two (2!) kinds of home cooked pork ribs! One was grilled, one was braised. Both were so delicious and the best part is they are willing to share the recipes if you ask!

I’m all for easy recipes and yes, after the grilling-the-ribs-to-ashes once, I think braising is the way to go. 

I modified the recipe as I do not have the Lee Kum Kee Brown Braising Sauce needed in the original recipe. 

Try it and let me know how it turns out! 

You’ll need:

1 package (about 3 pounds) pork ribs, separate the ribs into individual pieces

1 onion, chopped

2/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar,  packed 

1 cup water, more if needed

1/2 cup shao xing wine

1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

5 pcs star anise

1 inch piece of ginger, smashed

green onions, for serving

Place everything except the green onions in a heavy bottomed dutch oven, set the flame to medium, and simmer until sauce is thickened and meat is cooked, about an hour. If necessary, add more water to prevent sauce from burning (since it has sugar). 

It’s that easy!

Sprinkle with green onions. Serve right away with rice or any sides you want! 

My coworkers…with my brother up front!

Lemon Blueberry Cake

Theresa Pizarro4 Comments

Blueberries! To me they scream SUMMER! I always get the very best tasting fresh blueberries between June and August. And during those months I start baking and making things that use these gorgeous little fruits.

This recipe is one from a coworker who only started baking last June. I had one taste and knew I needed to get the recipe. Then I made it the very next day! 😊

I’m so glad it’s an easy recipe. Easy and delicious…try it, you’ll love it too!

Ingredients

2 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup sour cream (8oz)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 medium lemon zest and juice, divided

1/2 Tbsp corn starch

16 oz fresh blueberries

Powdered sugar to dust the top optional

Instructions:

Lightly butter a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment.

Preheat Oven to 375˚F.

Blueberry Lemon Cake:

Beat 2 eggs and 1 cup sugar with whisk attachment on high speed 5 min, or until light in color and thick. Add 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup oil, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/4 tsp salt and whisk on low speed until well combined.

Whisk together the 2 cups flour with 2 tsp baking powder then add to batter 1/3 at a time, whisking to incorporate with each addition (DO NOT OVERMIX).

Finally, add 1 Tbsp lemon juice and 1/2 Tbsp zest.

Rinse blueberries and drain well. In a medium bowl, toss blueberries with 1/2 Tbsp corn starch and 1 tsp lemon juice, stirring until well combined and no dry white cornstarch remains.

Pour half of batter into prepared springform pan and spread evenly. Top with half of the blueberries. Spread with remaining batter then sprinkle the rest of the blueberries evenly over the top, pushing them slightly into the batter (about halfway).

Bake at 375˚F for 45 to 55 min (mine was perfect at 55 min), or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Let cake rest in the pan 15-20 min then remove ring and cool until room temp or just warm. Serve dusted with powdered sugar.