Oven BBQ Ribs

3-4 lbs pork spareribs

1/8 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/8 cup kosher (coarse) salt

1/8 cup smoked paprika

2 Tb black pepper

1/2 Tb garlic powder

1/2 Tb onion powder

1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (or homemade)

Whisk all dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Place spareribs in a large pot and cover with cold water. (If you have a big long rack, cut it in half) Bring to a boil on high heat and boil for 5 minutes. This removes the worst of the exterior fat, which a grill would normally take care of, but we're doing this in the oven.

Take ribs out of the water, pat dry with paper towels, and place in a 9x13 baking dish. Cover both sides with the spice rub. If you have time, let it sit for a few hours with the spice rub on, up to overnight. If not, proceed!

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Pour a generous cup of BBQ sauce over the ribs. Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until fork tender. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking and brush with more sauce, if you like that sticky, baked-on sauce. I do! Remove ribs from oven and let rest 20 minutes, re-covered with foil. If you haven't already, brush with more sauce, warmed on the stove or the microwave. Serve hot!

*Note: This spice rub can be used for just about anything! Steaks, pork chops, pork roasts, burgers, even chicken! We like it on pork and beef best. Try doubling it and keeping some around your kitchen!*