Big Daddy Ribs

Tonight we're having Big Daddy Ribs to celebrate Labor Day, and while they take a while to cook, this is one meal you don't want to rush. The ribs are first coated in a dry rub, then simmered in the oven in a mixture of Coca-Cola and water. Let them cool a bit, break apart the individual ribs, then slap them with an apple cider sauce and toast up on the grill for a few minutes to make the outside nice and crispy sweet. Mmm mmm good!

We've loved these since the first time we made them years ago, and have even celebrated our wedding anniversary with them. Please don't let the long recipe scare you away from trying these - it all comes together quickly.

Also, we never have buttermilk in the house, so we mix together 1/4 cup milk with 1/4 tbsp lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. Easy substitution.

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds St. Louis style ribs
• 2 cups Big Daddy Rub, recipe below
• 2 liters Coca-Cola
• 4 cups water
• Apple Cider Buttermilk Dipping Sauce, recipe below

Big Daddy Rub (this recipe makes enough for an extra batch, so store 2 cups in a ziploc bag in the pantry):

• 3 cups brown sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons hot chili powder
• 2 tablespoons cayenne
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes

Apple Cider Buttermilk Dipping Sauce:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix all of the "Big Daddy Rub" ingredients together in a bowl.
3. Rub ribs with 1 cup Big Daddy Rub until evenly coated on both sides. Allow ribs to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Place ribs in 2 large roasting pans and cover with the Coca-Cola and water. Cover with foil and cook in oven for 1 and 1/2 hours. Remove ribs from oven and allow to cool. 
5. Slice ribs into individual-size pieces.
6. Preheat grill over medium-high heat.
7. Place ribs on the grill. Brush on "apple cider buttermilk sauce" (see below)  and cook for another 5 minutes.
8. In a large bowl, toss ribs with another 1 cup of "Big Daddy Rub" until well coated. Spread ribs out on a sheet tray and bake in the oven for an additional 20 minutes until caramelized.
9. Serve alongside the apple cider sauce.

Directions for Apple Cider Buttermilk Dipping Sauce:

1. In a medium pot add apple cider, sugar and red pepper on medium high heat. Reduce by half. 
2. Pour mixture into a separate bowl. 
3. Add buttermilk and mix.
4. Add lemon juice and zest and mix thoroughly.