Nick's Baby Back Ribs

Mario's grandson, Nick Pizzonia, is the gourmet of the family. He spares no expense in time or ingredients. Once you try his recipe for baby back ribs, you'll never go back.

Ingredients...

Dry Rub Ingredients for 3 sections of baby back ribs:

2 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fine quality sea salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 to 3 tablespoons paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder (add additional teaspoon if you like 3 alarm ribs)
2 teaspoons freshly ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 pinches (about 1/2 teaspoon) of fresh rosemary (crush in hands)
1 whole nutmeg grated
Mix well all dried ingredients

Barbecue Sauce Ingredients:

3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon honey Dijon mustard
the juice of 1/2 fresh orange (no substitutes)
1 tablespoon of any brand B-B-Q sauce
splash of Worcestershire sauce
splash of Tabasco sauce
splash of balsamic vinegar
whisk together all ingredients and set aside.
If sauce is too runny add more honey

Directions...

Cooking Instructions: When grill is ready (medium-high heat) start to coat the ribs. Place rub mixture onto large platter. Using one set of ribs at a time, coat each side making sure that you firmly press into mixture giving a liberal coating. Repeat as needed.

Cut 2 sheets of tinfoil 1 and 1/2 times the size of ribs (lengthwise) for each set of ribs. Overlap the sheets about 3 to 5 inches (lengthwise). Center ribs on top of the overlap, tent the foil above the top of ribs and crimp ends. Repeat for each set of ribs. Place ribs on grill (try to avoid direct contact with flame). Cook covered for 45 mins. When cooking is finished, open foil and check ribs for a gluey, gooey consistency. Remove ribs from foil and place directly onto grill; lower heat to just below medium. Coat the top of ribs with homemade B-B-Q sauce, close lid and cook for 5 mins. Turn ribs over repeat and cook covered another 5 mins. If not, turn again, coat top, cook covered another 5 mins. Done! Remove let stand 5 mins. Slice and serve with remaining B-B-Q sauce. - Recipe courtesy of Nick Pizzonia