Sometimes, there is just nothin’ will do except some BBQ’d ribs. But it is winter, and it is cold outside, and I really didn’t want Mr. C. to have to get the smoker going or fire up the barbeque. Even though both the smoker and the barbecue are under cover, it’s still not pleasant being outside.

So, I came up with this recipe and darn, the ribs were really delicious. The meat literally fell off the bones, and was juicy, tender, and ever so succulent. And this way to bake ribs had been super easy. No fuss, no muss, and just good eating.

So, if you too love ribs but aren’t excited about spending a lot of time in the making, give this recipe a try. The ribs are seriously yum.

Now if you do have time, I suggest you make your own BBQ sauce. Because, well, there is nothing on the market better than a really good homemade BBQ sauce. And because I am feeling charitable today, I’m going to provide you with my 2 favorite recipes. Please note, if you are trying to stay away from sugar, the second recipe BBQ Sauce with Monk Fruit Sweetener is sugar free.

Well, it’s kind of pretty outside right now. Lots of clouds, but the sun is setting so there is some pink in the sky too. Perhaps since it’s getting on to dinner time, I should think about making like a cook. I’m pretty sure Mr. C. would agree wholeheartedly. So, bye for now.

Peace and love to all.

1 (3 lb.) rack of pork loin back ribs* or spareribs

1 T. rib rub (see recipe below)

2 tsp. Montreal Steak Seasoning

1 tsp. granulated garlic

BBQ sauce

Place ribs meaty side up in a covered baking pan. (Or use aluminum foil.) (I use my Le Creuset Braiser.)

If the rack is too long for your pan, cut the rack in half. Evenly sprinkle the meat with the rib rub, Montreal Steak Seasoning, and granulated garlic.

Cover the pan and bake in a pre-heated 300-degree oven for 2 hours. After 2 hours, check to see if the meat is tender and falling off the bones. If not, bake for another half hour.

When the meat is tender, raise the temperature to 350-degrees, remove the lid or foil and baste with barbecue sauce and place in oven for 20 minutes.  

Remove from oven, cut the ribs between the bones, and serve with additional BBQ sauce.

*Pork loin back ribs are cut from the top part of the pig’s rib cage, just below the loin muscle. These ribs have meat both in between and on top of the rib bones, making them meatier than spareribs.

RIB RUB:

2 T. paprika

2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 T. kosher salt

2 tsp. granulated garlic

1 tsp. cayenne

1 tsp. ancho chili powder (found in most upscale grocery stores in bulk)

2 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. dried thyme

Combine all ingredients in an airtight container. Store at room temperature.

BOURBON BBQ SAUCE

¼ c. unsalted butter

¼ c. minced onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ c. brown sugar

2 tsp. whole grain mustard

1 c. ketchup

1/3 c. Worcestershire sauce

¼ c. fresh lemon juice

¼ tsp. hot sauce, or to taste

¼ tsp. cayenne

2 T. bourbon

Melt butter in a medium sized covered saucepan. Sauté onion until translucent; add garlic and cook until garlic releases its aroma, about 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer gently for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Basically, cook the sauce until you reach desired thickness. (Sauce will thicken as it simmers. If the sauce is still too thin after 60 minutes, remove the lid. But be warned – simmer at a low temperature or you will have BBQ sauce all over you and your kitchen!) Serve sauce warm or at room temperature.

BBQ SAUCE WITH MONK FRUIT SWEETENER

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

½ c. finely chopped onion

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

¾ c. water

1 T. monk fruit sweetener (I use the “golden” variety)

1 T. apple cider vinegar, or more to taste 

3 T. Worcestershire Sauce

¼ tsp. hot sauce, or to taste (I use Frank’s RedHot)

1 tsp. smoked paprika

½ tsp. seasoned salt  

freshly ground black pepper

tiny pinch cayenne pepper

tiny pinch ground cloves

Heat the olive oil in a small, covered saucepan. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.