Recipe Match for Napa Mountain Cabernet

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated fresh horseradish root
• 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
• 1 large 6-bone section flanken-style short ribs (about 3 1/2 pounds)
• Fleur de sel, to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 5 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 whole shallots, sliced
• 1 cup peeled, chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup Port wine
• 5 cups beef broth
• 1 can Dr. Pepper  (1 1/2 cups)

Directions

1. Heat a pan on low. Toast the peppercorns for 2 to 4 minutes, then process in a spice grinder.

2. In a small saucepot, combine cream, ground pepper and grated horseradish. Turn heat to medium. When cream begins to simmer, transfer to a nonreactive bowl. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. Transfer to a chilled mixing bowl. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip to stiff peaks. Chill until ready to serve.

3. Preheat the oven to 250° F, with a rack in the lower third. Add oil to a large braising pan or Dutch oven and set over medium heat. (Cut rib rack in half if needed to fit in pan.) Season ribs with fleur de sel. Sear ribs, fatty side down, until well-browned, about 5 minutes. Remove ribs, leaving any pan drippings, and add tomato paste, garlic, shallot, carrot and celery. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until vegetables are lightly browned. Return ribs to pan, seared side up. Add Port, beef broth and Dr. Pepper to cover meat halfway (you may not use all liquid), and bring to a simmer.

4. Cover pan with a tight-fitting lid or wrap entire pan in aluminum foil, and braise until fork-tender and falling off the bone, 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Let rest for a half hour in the pan. (Ribs can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° F oven for 1 hour.)

5. Transfer ribs to a cutting board and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Strain braising liquid into a saucepan and heat over medium. Cook until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Cut ribs into 6 pieces. Serve each with some sauce and a small ramekin of horseradish cream. Serves 6.