Awesome series

I posted about the first book in this series a while back: Divergent by Veronica Roth.  If you didn't read it then, read it now!  The 2nd book: Insurgent just came out on May 1st, and it keeps the story going.  I couldn't put it down.  This is a Hunger Games "read-alike", I think I like it better than HG!  Great Dystopian YA lit!

Yummy dish from MarthaStewart.com!  Great for a busy night-make it a day ahead, and put it in the crockpot!  The meat is soooo tender, and the rootbeer is so sweet.  Give it a try!

Short Ribs in Root Beer

4 1/2 pounds short ribs, cut into 4-inch pieces

Coarse salt and ground pepper

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more as needed

2 medium yellow onions, cut into 1-inch wedges

3 large celery stalks, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

2 small carrots, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

1 head garlic, sliced in half crosswise (I only used 4 cloves)

10 sprigs thyme

2 bay leaves

1 sprig rosemary

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 whole star anise (I am not a fan of anise and usually leave it out)

3 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth

2 cups root beer

Martha has complicated directions.  I browned the ribs in a pan and put them in the slow cooker...then saute the veggies in the same pan, add the liquids and boil for a minute and add that to the slow cooker.  Cook on high or 1 hour and then low for 4-6, til the meat is falling off the bone. Mmmm!