On the Seventh Day...

God created the universe in six days, and on the seventh day he rested (but also may have made some ribs).  I'm incredibly blessed to have stumbled upon the best ribs I've ever had, and I just happen to have a recipe for it.

This time, I used a rack of spareribs I'd purchased from the West Michigan Co-op.  Specifically, this particular rack came from S & S Lamb near McBain, MI.  I've known the owners, Pierre and Sharon Schierbeek (for the non-Dutch among us, it is pronounced "skeerbick"), for near 12 or 13 years now.  I'd prefer to use a baby-back or loin-back rack, but I'll use whatever is available.

First step: create the rub.
-1/2 Cup brown sugar
-2 Tablespoons kosher salt
-1 Tablespoon chili powder
-2 teaspoons freshly-ground pepper

The second thing to do is to get rid of as much sinew as possible from the back of the rack.  It helps to use a paper towel to get a hold of the slippery stuff.

Once that is accomplished, rub the rub on the ribs, and wrap them in plastic wrap or put them in a big zip-loc bag.  Let them marinate in the refrigerator like that for 3 hours or so, or even overnight if it makes is more convenient. When you pull them out, they'll look something like this:

Then go watch a movie or something.  I'd recommend the Shawshank Redemption.

The next task is to get the grill ready.  First, soak some apple wood chips in water for 30 minutes.

Next, get your charcoal going, and when they're white, arrange them so they are piled on the opposite side of the grill from the vent.  This way, the heat and smoke have to travel over the meat to escape.  Place a drip pan under the rib side, place the ribs under the vent, and drop a small handful of wood chips directly on the coals.  Close the lid and check on them in 30 minutes.

Flip the ribs every 30 minutes or so, and after 2 hours, apply some Sweet Baby Ray's.  Keep flipping and basting with the sauce two or three more times over the course of an hour to an hour and a half.

Now, you will be very tempted to just start digging in, but don't.  Take them off the grill and keep them wrapped in tin foil for 30 minutes.  While you're waiting, make yourself some lemonade or a nice micro brew, put on some Billie Holiday, and chill (save the stogie for after).  Thank God for ribs at this time, maybe.  then again, you'll probably be thanking him anyway after you taste these suckers.  Have fun!