Big Trees and Little Boys: Crock Pot Short Ribs

As I mentioned, we kept ourselves very busy during our Christmas trip to visit Thatboy's family.   Our first full day there, we headed out to Big Basin to check out the Redwoods and Giant Sequoias.  Otherwise known as "The Big Trees."

 

We're usually dwarfed by trees (heck, I'm pretty much dwarfed by bushes) but there's something really amazing about trees this large.  Trees that have been around for hundreds of years.  

Thatbaby enjoyed much of the hike, whether he rode on my back, Thatboy's shoulders, or walked.  But it was a pretty long hike for a little guy with short legs.  By the time we got to the waterfall, he was kind of tired and hungry.

He spent much of the hike back atop Thatboy's shoulders and was ready for a big meal when we got home.

Hiking always works up an appetite.  Something about the combination of exercise and fresh air.  We ended up with meatloaf that night, but hearty short ribs also fit the bill.  I've been using the crock pot a lot lately, and it's especially good for days when you're out all day hiking.  Because you get to come home to a nice hearty meal all ready and waiting!

Crock Pot Short Ribs

1 cup red wine

2/3 cup ketchup

3 Tbsp soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp brown sugar

4 lbs beef short ribs

2 onions, chopped

1. Combine the wine, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic and brown sugar in the slow cooker.
2. Add the ribs, stirring to coat in the sauce.
3. Distribute the onions over the ribs.  Cook on low for 8 hours.