Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue, just the word alone conjures up visions of fork tender pork butt, sweet and sticky barbecue sauce, and fall-off-the-bone ribs. Is your mouth salivating yet?

Traditional barbecue begins with a wood fired smoker that not only takes hours to cook but must be tended to regulate the temperature of not only the smoker but the meat. Danger zones for bacteria exist once you fall below that 250-degree mark. I certainly don't relish the possibility of food borne illness. I think I will leave the smoker's to the professionals, but I still want those delicious mouthwatering fall-off-the-bone ribs!

Impossible? Certainly not! The right combination of smoky spices and low-and-slow cooking in your own home oven can provide you with a delicious rack of fall off the bone ribs in just a few short hours. The best part... you can set your timer, walk away and come back in a few hours to perfect ribs every time! While there are many trade secret rubs, sauces, and mops for the perfect barbecue, a simple combination of smoky, sweet, salty and savory will ultimately give you a flavorful and authentic barbecue flavor.

Dried spices, sugars and powders are essential to a great barbecue rub. Smoked sweet paprika will give your meat that smoky flavor that can only be achieved in a genuine smoker. Granulated molasses, brown sugar, and white sugar add a touch of sweetness that will give your ribs that irresistible crunchy caramelized crust. Ginger powder, onion powder and garlic powder balance the sweet and smoky flavors of the other spices to bring balance to the rub.

Enjoy!