2012 Summer Grilling Season - Pork Ribs

Texas Best Baby Back Ribs............   Hello 4th of July!

The 4th of July, Independence Day, is a time of celebration for Americans. Although most of us are patriotic all year round, the Fourth of July gives us a chance to truly celebrate our country, our independence and our patriotism. So before the fireworks start this July 4th, stop and think about the brave men and women that work tirelessly to protect our freedoms daily. We are truly blessed to live in a land with such freedoms and opportunities. These American values are NOT luxuries but necessities for our free and just society. NEVER take them for granted. Always be thankful for those that came before us, those that are willing to defend our freedoms today and for those that will come and stand in our place when we are gone.

The family in front of Mount Vernon, G. Washington's Home

We are looking out towards the Potomac River

{back row, l-r}Elizabeth age 1, Mr.P, Me, Mom, Daddy

{front row, l-r}Jared age 7, Kristin age 6, Steph, Heather age 11.

I LOVE the Fourth of July! We have been fortunate enough to spend several July 4ths in our nation's capitol, Washington, DC. It is an awesome and spine-tingling experience, something our family will never forget. After a very busy day in DC and seeing the sights, we find ourselves making our way to the Iwo Jima memorial. This is a great spot from which to watch the fireworks display. We finally sit back, relaxing a bit and enjoying the best firework show in America.....I cry every time!

Mr.P and Elizabeth ready for the yearly Independence Day
Parade. The kids always enjoyed this.

More often than not the 4th of July finds us home in Dallas. After the yearly neighborhood parade, we usually get inspired to have our family and friends over for a cook-out, if it's not TOO blazing hot. The Fourth of July is a great time to get out and barbecue your favorite foods. Let your creativity run wild and celebrate the holiday weekend in style. Decorations can be as simple or as complex as you choose; an easy standby is red, white and blue bunting. It has a very classic and clean look. Choose a red or blue tablecloth with matching plates, napkins and cups. Simple white serving dishes and trays will complete this patriotic theme. Years ago, I picked up several cotton fabrics in different colors and patterns. I use them as outdoor tablecloths, they easily cover our 8 foot tables with room to spare. Digging out anything red, white and blue, I can change up my table from year to year. Decorating the tables with flags, patriotic knick-knacks and white flowers gives everything a nice finished look.

Eating buffet style is easiest for our family. It has a more simple and laid back feeling, which we enjoy. The menu is always easy and usually consists of either hamburgers or baby back ribs. The sides always stay the same for our outdoor cookouts. They are the staples of my 'Summer' entertaining menu. I will share those recipes with you later this weekend. Finishing early is high on our list, we don't want to miss the fireworks display here in Dallas. I truly hope that you and your family have the opportunity to stop and celebrate America, our FREEDOMS and our way of life!

Grab some fabric and plates and let your imagination run wild!

BABY BACK RIBS are leaner than spareribs. Cooked correctly, their flavor is unsurpassed. I always prepare our ribs the night before. Rubbing them, wrapping them up and into the fridge they go. Keeping my time to a minimum the day of our cookout. Cooked partly in the oven, the rib recipe is quicker than most...a huge plus. Also this is one of the best barbecue sauces you will ever taste, the citrus gives it a unique flavor. Again if your time is limited, just buy a good quality sauce at the store.
Enjoy your Fourth of July, make extra time for your family and remember why we celebrate.

Grilled Baby Back Ribs

with

Citrus Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

The Rub

1/4 cup sweet paprika

2 Tbs. Old Bay Seasoning

2 Tbs. chili powder

1 to 2 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 Tbs. kosher salt

1 Tbs. freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbs. granulated sugar

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

6 lb. baby back ribs

The Sauce

1 small yellow onion, sliced

1 cup fresh orange juice

2 cups tomato ketchup

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup cider vinegar

2 Tbs. firmly packed dark brown sugar

1 Tbs. dry mustard

1 Tbs. sweet paprika

1 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 1/2 to 2 tsp. hot-pepper sauce, such as Tabasco

1 Tbs. honey

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

6 Tbs. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

What To Do

Sift the paprika, Old Bay Seasoning, chili powder, cayenne and garlic powder into a large bowl. Add the salt, black pepper and granulated sugar. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir with a fork to make a paste. Rub the paste into the ribs and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in a large roasting pan and refrigerate overnight.

To make the barbecue sauce, in a blender or food processor, puree the onion with 1/4 cup of the orange juice until smooth, about 1 minute. In a saucepan, combine the remaining 3/4 cup orange juice, the ketchup, lime juice, cider vinegar, brown sugar, dry mustard, paprika, pepper flakes, garlic powder, chili powder, hot-pepper sauce, honey, salt, black pepper and butter. Stir in the onion puree. Place over low heat and bring to a slow simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 25 minutes. Let cool.

Preheat an oven to 250°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Place the ribs on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and cook, turning the ribs over every hour, until the meat starts to pull away from the bones, about 3 hours. Remove the ribs from the oven and let rest for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Prepare a hot fire in a grill. Place the ribs, meaty side down, on the grill rack and cook just until the fat starts to sizzle, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the ribs over and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board. Cut between the ribs to separate them.

Mound the ribs on a platter. Drizzle with the barbecue sauce or pass the sauce at the table. Serve immediately.

Serves: 6

Give it a go this July 4th, you'll be glad you did!

Enjoy!