So here’s the thing…I’m not one who has ever been known as “a good cook” or even “someone who can cook”
Growing up I never enjoyed making food. My mom cooked and that was fine by me. I LOVED going to restaurants and getting takeout more than anything. I was so interested in different types of foods, different cultures. I could never eat the same thing over and over again. I needed variety.
Once I was old enough and had to fend for myself, I stuck with the basics. I made grilled ham & cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, mac n cheese, nachos. (you see the common theme here…) 9 out of 10 times I made these dishes…I would burn them. Honestly I got very used to the taste of charcoal and I didn’t mind it.
I was the running joke of the family because I was a disaster in the kitchen. I could ruin anything. I once burned ramen. Seriously…it was completely ruined and to this day I have no idea how that happened. But it did.
Something changed though when I moved out of my parent’s house. I was on my own. I had J but he loves ordering out just as much as I do. After a month where our Postmates charges were over $500 I decided that was it. I could not afford to live like that anymore and I had to make a change.
I really just told myself I was going to cook things now. I was going to be good at it and the food would taste delicious. Magically that’s exactly what happened. I started understanding food and ingredients and what goes well together and what does not. I have made mistakes along the way, I have burnt bacon to a crisp in my VERY high heat oven, I have used way too much salt on things and I have under seasoned plenty. I am obviously still learning, but its the trial and error that I’m embracing.
I can’t wait to post simple and delicious recipes on here that I love to make. They are staples in my home and make me so happy to not only eat, but watch others eat. Is that weird? I absolutely love watching people eat and enjoy the food I make. Guess that means I should keep doing it.
Best BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe
(I don’t use measurements unfortunately…it’s a feeling you get when you know you’ve put enough in. Taste it as you go and add more of what you want!- sorry!)
Mix all ingredients in a bowl for the rub
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Trader Joe’s umami seasoning (this is the best seasoning I’ve ever used and I use it in EVERYTHING)
- Trader Joe’s 21 seasoning salute (less than everything else)
- Trader Joe’s chili seasoning
- Trader Joe’s Roadhouse (this was a limited edition spice so it’s not required)
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Smoked Paprika
- Cayenne (more or less depending on how spicy you want them)
- Memphis BBQ seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (to your liking)
- Brown sugar (more than you would think)
Wrap the ribs in foil and marinate for at least 4 hours in the fridge
Preheat your oven to 275 degrees
After 4 hours, take out of fridge and place foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet
Bake in the oven for 2 hours covered
After 2 hours, open up the foil so the ribs are exposed, cover in your favorite BBQ sauce
BBQ Sauce:
I use the Trader Joe’s Carolina Gold Sauce as well as the Trader Joe’s Organic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce (J and I have different preferences)
Use whatever kind of BBQ sauce you like- it will not make a difference!
Put back in the oven for another hour
Every 15- 20 mins (or so) add another coating of BBQ sauce
Once the 3rd hour is over, turn your oven to a high broil
Leave under the broiler for about 5 minutes or so
this is a great place to end- they are perfectly ready to eat!
**if you have an air fryer- trust me, do the next steps!!**
Once you have broiled the ribs, let them cool for a few minutes
Remove from baking sheet and cut them up individually
Take your air fryer and line it with foil
Place between 5-7 ribs in at a time and cook at 370 for 5 mins
ENJOY THEM RIGHT AFTER
