Sweet and Sour Short Ribs

3 pounds short ribs
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 cup flour
3 Tbsp. shortening
1 medium onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, sliced
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 bay leaf
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/3 cup catsup
1/4 cup vinegar

Cut short ribs into individual servings, cut off excess fat, sprinkle with salt and pepper and roll in flour. Brown well on all sides in hot shortening. Remove meat to Dutch oven. Add onions and garlic to fat and cook until lightly browned; add to short ribs. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over ribs. Cover and simmer about 3 hours. Remove ribs to hot platter, pour off excess fat from gravy, stir in 2 Tbsp. flour and cook until thickened.