Sesame Pork Ribs (Crock Pot)

1 medium onion, sliced
¾ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup honey
2 Tbsp cider or white vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground ginger
¼-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
5 lbs country-style pork ribs
2 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
2 Tbsp chopped green onions

1. Place onions in bottom of slow cooker.

2. Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper in large bowl. Add ribs and turn to coat. Place on top of onions in slow cooker. Pour sauce over meat.

3. Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours.

4. Place ribs on serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve sauce on the side.

Yummy served with rice and veggies!

Caribbean Black Bean Soup

1 lb dried black beans
3 onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ham hock, or ¾ cup chopped ham
1 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 Tbsp salt (I use seasoned salt)
½ tsp pepper
3 cups water
2 Tbsp vinegar
sour cream
fresh cilantro

1. Wash beans and soak overnight. Drain

2. Combine beans in crock pot with all ingredients except for vinegar, sour cream, and cilantro (last 3).

3. Cover. Cook on low 8-10 hours, or on high 4-5 hours.

4. For a thicker soup, remove half of cooked beans and puree until smooth or mash with a potato masher. Return to cooker.

5. Add vinegar and stir well. De-bone ham, cut into bit-sized pieces, and return to soup.

6. Serve with a spoon-full of sour cream and fresh, chopped cilantro.