Ribs Worth Rubbing

This one time I made ribs and they were absolutely disgusting. I spent all afternoon making them and they were so gross even Matt wouldn't eat them -so into the garbage they went. That was about three years ago, before I knew how to find a good recipe and alter it to suit my tastes. I've made this rib rub & sauce combo a handful of times and it has been a hit with everyone who has tried it. I must admit I've toned down the heat to suit the tastes of a friend! 

Without further ado, I present:

The World's Best Ribs

Inspired by: My Life as a Mrs cooking instructions and rib rub, and this guy's sauce.

prep time: 10-15 minutes
cook time: 6.5 hours max (includes slow-cooking and making sauce while cooking ribs)

Your Shopping List:

A package of two racks of ribs

Rub:

1/4 cup cumin

1/4 cup packed brown sugar (optional because I've omitted it twice and they were still delicious)

1/2 cup paprika 

1/4 cup chili powder

1 Tbsp cayenne

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1-2 tsp salt (original recipe calls for wayyy too much)

freshly ground pepper

Sauce:

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sriracha sauce
1/2 cup white rum
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves of garlic, crushed or very finely minced
1 tsp ground dry mustard
ground black pepper to taste

What to do with it:

Rub it on!

Ribs

1. Spray slow cooker insert with olive oil/non-stick spray
2. Rinse ribs and pat dry
3. Coat ribs evenly with approx 1/2 cup of dry rub
4. Place ribs in slow cooker insert bone-side in - You may need to intertwine the racks so that it all fits
5. Cook on low for 5-6 hours

Sauce

1. Heat all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat
2. Stirring occasionally, simmer for 30 minutes (reduce heat as needed)
3. Set aside to cool, and refrigerate until ready for use

Sauce & Ribs

1. Spray grill with olive oil, or other non-stick spray and preheat to medium high heat
2. Coat ribs with bbq sauce and placeon the grill, meat side down
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes and then flip, rib-side down. Baste the meat again, close the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes
4. Repeat three or so more times and then remove
5. They will fall apart. They will be delicious!
6. Serve with green beans & potatoes, or whatever you so choose.

Don't judge my photography skills - these are amazing.

Fries that don't end up on your thighs

I love potatoes. I would eat them all every day if my diet would allow it. Unfortunately, they're not the healthiest side dish. Thankfully, I also love sweet potatoes! This is a recipe that my momma made for us pretty often back in the day and was the only way I enjoyed them until recently. It's a great way to spice up a meal and takes pretty much no time at all to make! I love the combination of sweet and spicy it creates.

"Spicy Yam Oven Fries"

inspired by my wonderful mom!

Your shopping list:

1 1/2 - 2 yams or sweet potatoes
2 Tbsp soy sauce (or use tamari like my mom does. It's the best option if you're gluten intolerant because there's less wheat)
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp mustard powder
1/4 tsp garlic podwer
1 Tbsp olive oil

What to do with it:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F
2. Cut the yams/sweet potatoes into thirds, then slice like fries and place in a medium sized bowl
3. Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and then pour over the fries
4. Arrange the fries on a baking sheet, and bake for approx 10 minutes.
5. Enjoy!