Cin Cin, Garden Guru

It was one busy weekend around here.
Garden Guru worked non-stop to get Tuscany tucked away into a perfect slumber.
Among many other jobs, the Harvest Table has been constructed.  It sits crowning the back deck,  patiently waiting to age over the winter.  Funny how I love the look and feel of old genuine things.  I think BR just breathed a huge sigh of relief!

The garden makeover started in early Spring with a worker bee weekend and sort of ended with the same.  Friends were back and forth this weekend, offering their expertise and hard labor.
I think I got off with the easy bit.  As always, I played the supporting role of chief cook and bottle washer.

I think Garden guru had mixed feelings at the end of the weekend.  It certainly has been a labor of love........a whole lotta love......but I think Garden Guru is a bit sad to say goodbye for now.

So through all of this I got to know Garden Guru just a little bit more.  One of the things that stands out  is his newly found love of Kalbi Beef (Korean Shortribs).  Who wouda thunk it?

When given a choice, this was the most requested item of the summer.  BR wondered why these had never graced our dining table before. Turns out these are a favorite of BR's too!

I have to credit this bit of deliciousness to my cousin/son.
He was here visiting in May and introduced this to us.  People who know me well, know that I am not a huge fan of the sticky sweet/sour/savory thing.  These shortribs have converted me.  I too, have enjoyed a few of these yummy ribs this summer.  So thank you T, for the inspiration.  Hope you are planning a visit again soon.  I so enjoy our lazy afternoons of cooking and feasting.  Oh yea....the wine is pretty good too!

It was only fitting that Garden Guru and BR get to enjoy these for lunch on their last weekend of the great garden makeover..........after all, I do want them to come back and finish the job!

The important thing about this recipe is the ratio of soy sauce/sugar and sesame oil.  It is best 2:1
2 Soy sauce to 1 Sugar and 1 Sesame Oil.
To this add a couple of stems of green onion and a clove or two of garlic (sorry T, you know me and garlic...T doesn't add garlic, but I do!!)


Throw everything together in the blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.  Pour the mixture over your beef shortribs, mix in a couple of tablespoons of sesame seeds if you like and leave them to marinade for at least two hours.  The longer the better.
I use 1/2 cup soy sauce for approx 3lbs of shortribs. (thin cut)

When you are ready to grill, preheat so that the grill is nice and hot.  You want to slightly char these ribs and caramelize the sugar in the marinade..........that's what makes them taste so good. 

Grill lines=flavor!

3 or 4 minutes on each side should do it.

So I think the Kalbi Beef was a hit, don't you?

















Thank you Garden Guru for an amazing summer......what a transformation!
I will eventually post some before and after shots.........but for now, help me honor Garden Guru........raise that glass you are enjoying.

Cin Cin Garden Guru............you are fabulous!  Salut!