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1
Mix salt, pepper, cinnamon, and allspice together to form a rub for ribs and rub all over. Let stand for 30 minutes or more. You can dice veggies while meat is sitting.
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2
Heal oil to medium hot in dutch oven or some other large nonstick pan (if you plan on using slow cooker for braising). Using tongs, place meat in pan to sear on all sides. Transfer to plate. When all meat is browned, put onions and carrots in same pan and cook until softened (add small amount of oil if necessary).
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3
Add stock, root beer, bay leaves, tomato paste, Worcestershire, vinegar, and tabasco and bring to boil (if using slow cooker, the liquids can be started while the meat is browning and vegetables are softening and does not need to be brought to boiling). Add meat back in along with any accumulated juices (if using slow cooker, add vegetables first, stir, then add meat).
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4
Reduce heat to simmer and cover tightly. Let braise for minimum of 3 hours. If using slow cooker, set on high for at least 3 hours (or low for 5 hours). Remove meat when fork tender. Serve with horseradish mashed potatoes, spooning sauce over meat.
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5
We made this with slightly more than 2 lbs of meat and it was enough for 3, but most of the ribs were really skimpy on meat. If you get really meaty ribs and more like 3+ lbs it should feed 6 easily.
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6
Note: for best results, cool sauce down in freezer or 'fridge and scoop off top layer of fat. If that isn't possible, at least spoon off as much fat from sauce as possible. If desired, you can thicken sauce on stove after removing meat to form more of a gravy than a liquid sauce (although we liked it thin just fine).
