Recipe: Baby Back Ribs with Tuscan BBQ Sauce (using espresso)

BABY BACK RIBS WITH TUSCAN BBQ SAUCE

3 racks baby back ribs
Gray salt and freshly ground black pepper
FOR THE BBQ SAUCE:
1 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup espresso coffee
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. minced garlic

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Cut each rack of ribs in half and season with salt and pepper. Stack the ribs on a foil-covered baking sheet, in two piles of 3 pieces.

Bake in the oven about 2 1/2 hours, or until tender, rotating the ribs every 30 minutes.

Remove the ribs from the oven and cover them with foil to keep them moist and tender.

TO MAKE THE BBQ SAUCE:
In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, and espresso; set aside.

Place the olive oil and garlic in a small saute pan. Cook over low heat for about 1 minute, or until it turns a golden brown. Remove from heat. Add to the honey mixture.

Place the sauce mixture in a saucepan and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.

TO FINISH THE RIBS:
Brush the BBQ sauce on both sides of the ribs, and arrange them in a single layer.

Place the ribs on an outdoor grill or in a 425 degree F oven. Turn and baste the ribs as they cook. Remove when the ribs are glazed and tender, about 15 minutes.

Makes 6 servings
Source: Michael Chiarello, Show: NapaStyle