Flintstones Dinner with J-La

An overexposed dinner of spareribs, Caesar Salad, homemade quick cuke pickles and J-La's toothsome baked beans.

Getting all Flintstones on ribs.

English cucumbers getting the quick pickle treatment: slice thinly, rub heavily with kosher salt and drain with a weight in a colander for an hour. Rinse relatively well, pat dry then dress with champagne vinegar, soy sauce and mirin. Marinate at room temp for 3-4 hours. Voila!

Ubiquitous "self photo" after just enough of too much to drink.

Glamour shot of J-la modeling Grandmother Louise Drake's chic coral cameo earrings.

Easiest and Best Way to Prepare Pork Spareribs: first they must be cut "country-style", meaning Eastern European thick and fatty. No browning required! Simmer for 2-3 hours in just enough water to barely cover, spiked with a few tablespoons of good soy sauce, a generous splash of brown sugar, dried red chiles, slices of ginger (no peeling) and 1-2 whole star anise. Cook covered on very low heat, turning now and then for 2 hours. Partially uncover and cook until liquid is thick and syrupy. Season if need with salt, which is highly unlikely given the amount of soy sauce utilized here.