I think our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —John Purifoy, Bristol, Virginia
2 teaspoons each garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, white pepper, chili powder, ground cumin and cayenne pepper
STEAM BATH:
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
5 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
1/2 cup each fresh sage, parsley, rosemary and thyme sprigs
1/4 cup sherry
SAUCE:
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons sherry
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Sprinkle brown sugar over ribs and let stand 15 minutes. In a small bowl, mix seasonings; sprinkle over ribs.
In a large roasting pan, combine steam bath ingredients; place a wire rack on top, making sure rack is above liquid. Place ribs bone side down on rack, overlapping slightly as needed. Bake, covered, 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until ribs are tender and meat starts to pull away from the bone; drain.
In a small bowl, mix sauce ingredients. Carefully remove ribs; cool slightly. Spread sauce over top of ribs; transfer to a large roasting pan. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.
Place ribs over direct heat. Grill, covered, over medium heat 15 to 20 minutes or until ribs are heated through and slightly charred, turning occasionally.