Sweet Barbecue Ribs

I don't know about you, but I can totally relate to Emeril's catch phrase " Its a pork fat thing".  Yup pork fat improves many things. Amongst my favorite low carb dinners is ribs. Meat that just falls off the bones those familiar barbecue flavors but of course many of the pre-made sauces and rubs out there are full of sugar. So I make my own.

Don't be scared off by the ingredient list, most if not all are probably sitting in your spice rack right now. The exception may be Mrs. Dash Table blend, and to be honest I can not say enpough good things about that seasoning blend especially for veggies.

Sweet Barbecue Rib Rub

You will need:
1/2 cup Splenda
1 and 1/2 Tbs Mrs Dash Table Blend- this is finely ground unlike the original blend
2 Tbbs Garlic Poweder
5 Tbs Salt
2 Tbs Onion Powder
4 Tbs Paprika
2 Tsp Ground Sage
2 Tsp Dry Mustard
2 Tbs Chili Powder
1 Tbs Black Pepper
2 Tsp of Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Mix everything together in a large container with a tight fitting lid. This makes a lot so I use a a tall plastic container. I make enough to use for for multiple recipes if you are uncertain you can certainly cut this recipe in half. Generally I dump everything in, snap the lid on and shake to mix everything. Keep a hand on the lid "just in case".

*Although I call this a rib rub, I'm not going to lie. I have put it on steaks, pork steaks, chicken you name it I've probably sprinkled this on top. It's sweet and flavorful and although it does not caramelize it adds great color to your meats as well as flavor

Sweet Barbecue Ribs



You will need:
1 Batch of Sweet Barbecue Rib Rub
1 Rack of Pork Ribs silver skin removed, St Louis or Baby Back will work.
 
Two ways to go here. The first is for those of you who will not be home to put the ribs in the oven mid afternoon. This is perfect for a week day. The second is for folks who don't own a crock pot and/or have time to slow roast the ribs before dinner. They both come out very tender.

Method one: Cut your rack of ribs in half or quarters so that you can fit the rack of ribs in your crock pot. Season the ribs liberally with Sweet Barbecue Rib Rub. Place the ribs in your crock pot and cook  on low for 6-8 hours. Do not add any liquid. Just before dinner pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil. Place your ribs on the  baking sheet and roast the ribs for 10-15 minutes to get a nice color and crisp up some of the surface fat. Serve and enjoy!

Method two: Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a large baking pan with foil. Liberally season your ribs with Sweet Barbecue Rib Rub. Lay the ribs on the lined pan and cover the pan tightly with foil. Roast the ribs low and slow for two hours. Uncover the ribs, raise the temperature in the oven to 425 degrees. Roast the ribs uncovered for 10-15 minutes to get a nice color and crisp up some of the surface fat. Serve and enjoy!