Belgian Short Ribs Carbonnade - Litchfield Farmers' Market

Ingredients

• 1 large whole cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 whole star anise
• 4 whole allspice berries
• 5 whole black peppercorns
• 3 tablespoon butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 4 to 4½ lbs. beef short ribs (8)
• 1 to 1½ large onions, sliced (about 3 cups)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 12-ounce bottles brown ale
• 1 12-ounce bottle cream stout
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 16 packaged pitted prunes
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 4 cups cooked wide egg noodles