3 to 3 1/2 lb. short ribs
1/3 c. plus 2 tbsp. flour
3 tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 c. sliced onions
2 sliced garlic cloves
2 c. hot water
1 bay leaf
1/2 c. vinegar
4 tbsp. brown sugar
1 c. ketchup
1/2 tsp. salt

Cut short ribs into serving pieces and remove excess fat. Dredge in 1/3 cup flour and place in frying pan. Brown well on both sides in hot butter. Remove to a heavy pot. Add pepper, onions, and garlic to grease in frying pan and cook until tender. Add this mixture to short ribs.

Combine the remaining ingredients except for the 2 tablespoons flour and pour over ribs. Cover tight and cook slowly until tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Remove ribs to a serving plate and keep warm. Pour off fat from gravy, stir in remaining flour and 2 tablespoons water. Pour over the ribs and serve.