April Showers

We have been blessed with an early spring here in MN. We didn't have snow the entire month of March, something that hasn't happened for 100 years (no exaggeration.) April followed suit giving us none of the white stuff. Now, as happy as that makes me, we desperately needed some water to fall from the sky.

Well, finally the skies opened up gave the earth a nice drink. The greenery is now changing to a lovely deep, healthy green. I am loving Spring.

What else happens in spring? Grilling of course! I wanted to make grilled ribs last night, but alas, it was raining. So, I went with plan B- oven baked ribs. I made Jon's favorite ribs, you would never know they weren't done on a grill.

I have included specific brands for this recipe- the brands we prefer. Feel free to use your own favorite rubs and sauces.

The cook time on these is about 2 1/2 hours total. The ribs come out very moist and tender. YUM!

Happy May Day to all!

Here's to you and your culinary adventures, friend. Cheers!

Oven Baked Ribs
Serves 8-10, 1rib each

Approximately 4 lbs bone-in country style pork ribs (Beef ribs also work)
Mccormick Grill Mates Pork Rub
19oz bottle of Jack Daniel's Hickory BBQ sauce
2 tsp liquid smoke (optional)


Preheat oven to 250. Yes, 250.

Rub ribs with liquid smoke.

Place ribs in a 9x13 glass baking dish. Sprinkle all sides of the ribs with rub. I use about 2-3 TBS, I don't measure it out. You are looking to just lightly coat the entire rib.

Add enough water to come half way up the ribs. Tent lightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour.

Turn ribs over. Leave uncovered and bake 1 hour.

Drain most of the liquid from the ribs. Pour BBQ sauce over ribs. Using a pastry brush coat each rib.

Turn heat up to 400. Bake for 30-40 minutes until ribs are cooked through.