Recipe: Root Beer Ribs with Homemade Coleslaw

ROOT BEER RIBS WITH HOMEMADE COLESLAW

4 racks of pork baby back ribs (1 1/2 lbs. each)
1 recipe BBQ Spice Mix (recipe follows)
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 cans of root beer
Root Beer BBQ Sauce (recipe follows)
Homemade Coleslaw (recipe follows)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Using a butter knife, peel back the membrane on the bone side of the ribs and remove. Season the ribs well on both sides (see spice mix recipe).

Stand ribs on edge in a deep baking dish. Add garlic and pour root beer around, being careful not to wash off the spices.

Seal with foil and place in the oven for 75-85 minutes. Check that ribs are tender, but bones should not be easily pulled out. Let ribs cool for 15-20 minutes. (Ribs may be prepared a day ahead to this point.) Let cool, then refrigerate over night in clean pan. Reserve 3 Tbsp. of pan juice for Root Beer BBQ Sauce recipe.

WHEN READY TO SERVE:
Place ribs on grill or under broiler for 4-5 minutes per side. Mop ribs with Root Beer BBQ Sauce. Turn each side to heat for 1-2 minutes.

Serve as 4 rib sections with more Root Beer BBQ Sauce on the side.

BBQ SPICE MIX

1/2 cup paprika
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tbsp. dry mustard
2 tbsp. ground black pepper
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. ground cumin
2 tbsp. kosher salt
2 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. chipotle chili powder
1 tbsp. dried thyme

Mix together, place in shaker jar or Ziploc bag, store in a cool dry place.

ROOT BEER BBQ SAUCE

1 cup ketchup
3 tbsp. pan drippings
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 can root beer
salt and pepper to taste

Mix in a pot, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes.

HOMEMADE COLESLAW

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. cider vinegar
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. black pepper
3 tsp. celery salt
1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
1 carrot shredded
1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
3 green onions, thinly sliced

In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. Mix completely...taste and adjust salt if needed. Add vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more.

Source: Matthew Obuchowski, Chicago Fire Department Truck 45 to Time Out Chicago Issue 116,: May 17-23, 2007