Merlot Braised Short Ribs with Twice Baked Potatoes

This is not one of those quickie meals to throw together after a long day of work. Nope, this is more of a I -have-a-day-off-and-want-to-make-something-extra-special-meal.  The ribs need to bake for 3 1/2 hours...so it is a recipe you can start earlier in the afternoon and come back to your house smelling sooo good.  Now I know short ribs are a little expensive, but I got a pkg. of 4 for $5.00.  Really?  Cheaper than two fast food meals...right?  Spend some time in your kitchen and cook this up for that special someone you love or just care about.  It is worth the time.  This recipe will serve two.


Merlot Braised Short Ribs
4 beef short ribs
4 T. olive oil
3 pieces of bacon, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/4 white onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 T. thyme
1/4 c. tomato paste
1 c. merlot
4 c. beef broth or stock
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar

Heat the 2T. oil in a large, heavy, ovenproof pot or roasting pan.  Add the ribs and brown well on all sides. Add the remaining 2 T. oil and the bacon and vegetables.  Cook for about 15 minutes, until the vegetables begin to carmalize.  Put the ribs back in the pan.  Add in the bay leaf, thyme, tomato paste, merlot and enough beef broth to cover the ribs.  Bring to a boil.  Preheat oven to 350.  Cover the pot or roasting pan and bake for 3 hours.  Remove bay leaf, add the vinegar and simmer gently on the stovetop for 20 to 30 minutes.


Twice Baked Potatoes

2 potatoes, microwaved for 3-4 minutes on high
Cut cooked potatoes in 1/2, lengthwise.  With a spoon, remove the cooked potato leaving a little potato and the skin.  Mash the potato.  Then mix in 1/2 c. shredded cheese (any kind), 1/2 c. sour cream,  3T. minced chives, and 2 minced garlic cloves.  Spoon this mixture back into the potato shells and bake
at 400 for 25 minutes.
Remove ribs from pot.  Add remain