Happy Labor Day!

Several years ago, I was invited to a house warming party in the suburbs.  The couple had the party catered by a company that specialized in Southern cooking and the food was delicious!  Ever since that party I have tried to duplicate the bbq ribs that were served at the party to satisfy my longing taste buds.  Finally, I found a recipe that not only reminded me of those flavors, but tastes even better!

This Labor Day, as we unofficially close out the summer, I am making the Neely's Sweet Cola Barbecue Ribs!  This recipe is reminiscent of Carolina style ribs.  The secret to the fall off the bone ribs is removing the membrane before seasoning.  Of course the spotlight goes to the sweet cola sauce.  As my nephew says, it's all about the sauce! 

Hopefully you'll enjoy this recipe as much as I do.  Thanks Neelys!

   

Ingredients:

Sweet Cola Barbecue Sauce:

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cups ketchup

1 can cola

½ cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp brown sugar

½ tbsp fresh ground black pepper

½ tbsp onion powder

½ tbsp ground mustard

½ tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Dry Rub:

2 tbsp salt

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp black pepper

2 racks pork spare ribs (about 3 lbs each)

Directions

For the dry rub:

Whisk all dry ingredients together in a small bowl.  This can be stored up to 6 months in an airtight container.

For the ribs:

Rinse and dry ribs.  Place on a clean cutting board, pull off the membrane and trim the ribs of excess fat.  Liberally season both sides of the ribs with rub.  Wrap ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4-12 hours so flavors can permeate.

Preheat grill to 250 degrees F. using hickory and charcoal.  Set up your grill for indirect heat.  Place ribs, meatier side down, on the grill away from the coals.  Close grill cover.  Cook the pork ribs for 1 hour 15 minutes; flipping several times for even cook.   *Coat ribs with Sweet Cola Barbecue Sauce and cook for another 20 minutes.

*Reserve some of the sauce for dipping when the ribs are served. 

Read more at:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/sweet-cola-ribs-recipe.html#lightbox-recipe-video