Barbecue vs Cookout The heat is on

BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM

This week we are turning up the heat and settling this long debate on the differences between a cookout and a barbecue. Many people believe that a cookout is a black community affair for barbecue. But is there a difference?

Technically barbecue is actually a cooking method where the food is cook over indirect heat. It also refers to a gathering at which this style of food is cooked and served. Usually hot dogs, chicken, brisket, smoked sausages and a juicy pulled pork sandwich can be in the mix.

A cookout is a social gathering for a meal that is cooked and eaten outside. At any time, a cookout can turn into a party with drinking and raving (partying). You may find some barbecued food such as grilled chicken, stews, corn on the cob, potato salad, mac and cheese and such delights. Now that I have cleared the air it’s time to try this juicy and delicious BBQ pork ribs recipe and while you are at it, you can sip on a cool Pimm’s ginger cup in your own backyard BBQ or your next cookout.

Pimm’s Ginger Cup

Makes 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz ginger beer
• 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
• 0.5 oz lime or lemon juice
• 3 mint leaves
• Thinly sliced cucumber and lemon for garnish
• Crushed ice

Directions

Muddle mint leaves and lime juice in the bottom of the glass with a muddler or a spoon until mint leaves are crushed. Add crushed ice then pour Pimm’s, top with the ginger beer and stir lightly to combine. Garnish with extra mint leaves, lime and cucumber wedges. Cheers!

Sticky Grilled Mesquite Ribs with Jack Daniel’s Barbecue Sauce

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 1.5 hrs

Serves 4 – 6 people

Holy smokes!!! These ribs are finger licking good. Smoky, sweet, and sticky with a hint of spice are just a few of the characteristics of these delicious ribs.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork back ribs

The Rub

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoon mesquite smoke liquid

Sticky glaze

• 1cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup Jack Daniel’s
• 3 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Directions

First order of business is to preheat your grill, then remove the membrane that covers the underside/bony side of the ribs then place on a baking sheet or tray lined with foil or parchment paper.

In a small bowl mix together all the dry ingredients for the rub, mix well to combine.

Sprinkle dry rub liberally over ribs then drizzle with oil and liquid smoke. Rub the seasoning liberally over the ribs on both sides.

Put to grill for 1.5 hours, turning constantly and monitoring every 15 minutes to prevent burning.

During the last half an hour of the cook time, mix together sauce ingredients.

Glaze ribs with BBQ sauce and allow to finish cooking.

Rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to recirculate back into the meat before slicing and enjoy. Serve with extra BBQ sauce.