4th of July Feast: Meat

I think it's required by U.S. law that we BBQ for the 4th of July.  If it's not a law, it should be.  You can go many routes for your BBQ main dish.

Burgers

Steak

But today I want to share with you my baby back ribs recipe; an excellent all American 4th of July dish.  I love ribs, & I mean L.O.V.E. ribs.  Many people are intimidated by ribs, but they are actually quite easy.  Here's the skinny (or not so skinny if you're mean & scarf down about 10 of these babies):

You got to start by making the rub (recipe below).  This is a combination of seasonings that you literally rub on the ribs before you cook them.  The rub makes the meat wonderfully flavorful.

Now take your hands & rub that rub all over those ribs, both sides please.

Now many people would think you throw them on the grill at this point, but I differ.  If you want a really tender rib don't just go to grillin' them (unless your smoking them, but that's a whole other post).  Cover these babies up with tin foil & stick them in a 350 degree oven for an hour.

In the mean time whip you up some BBQ sauce (recipe below) & get that grill nice & hot.  Remove ribs from the oven & place on the prepared BBQ grill.  Next start slathering the ribs in BBQ sauce.

The ribs are already cooked so just grill it long enough for the BBQ sauce to caramelize & get all bubbly.

And a little charred looking... mmmm!  Now cut the ribs up by simply taking a knife & cutting in between each rib bone.

Eat em' up hot with an extra side dish of BBQ sauce.  Make sure to have extra napkins or wash clothes close by.  Enjoy your yummy Fourth of July!
Rub Recipe
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds

BBB Q Sauce
1 onion diced
3 Tbls butter
2 cups ketchup
1/3 cup molasses
1 teaspoon mustard
2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 cup whiskey
Melt butter in sauce pan.  Add diced onion & cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients & allow to simmer stirring often for at least 10 minutes.  Taste it & add more salt or sugar as desired.  It you like things a little spicy add some chili powder.  So good you could eat it by the spoonful, but I suggest using it on top of ribs.


*recipe for 2 medium size rack of baby back ribs, adjust accordingly for your size of feast