Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/2  cup           ketchup
   2      tablespoons   honey
   2      tablespoons   rice or white vinegar
   2      tablespoons   soy sauce
     1/4  teaspoon      five spice powder -- optional
   1      small         onion -- finely chopped
   2      teaspoons     minced fresh ginger
   1                    garlic clove -- minced
   1      teaspoon      cornstarch -- dissolved in
   1      tablespoon    cold water
   4      pounds        country-style pork ribs, cut in single rib
                        hot cooked rice

Preparation:

In a 3-1/2 quart slow cooker, combine ketchup, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, five-spice powder, onion, ginger and garlic. Position a broiler rack 6 inches from the source of the heat and preheat the broiler. Broil the ribs, turning once, until browned. About 10 minutes. Transfer the ribs to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the ribs with the sauce. Cover and slow cook until ribs are tender. 5-6 hours at 200 degrees (low). Transfer the ribs to a platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Skim the fat from the surface of the sauce. In a medium saucepan bring the sauce to a simmer over a medium heat. Cook until reduced to about 1 cup, 6-8 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook just until thickened. Pour the sauce over ribs and serve immediately with hot cooked rice.