Maple Date Short Ribs and Green Beans

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Put the wine, maple syrup, stock, dates, spices and salt and pepper into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat down and simmer until the dates are soft, about 15 to 20 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender, let cool and reserve a half cup. Place the ribs in a pan large enough to accommodate them in a single layer. Pour over the marinade, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 hours. Wipe excess marinade from ribs, put them onto a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, until ribs are very tender.

Serve with Green Beans with Cilantro (see recipe).

Heat oil in a skillet and add garlic and fennel seeds. Cook for about 30 seconds and then add green beans. Season with salt and saute quickly until beans are bright green and tender-crisp. Spill into a serving bowl, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, toss and serve.