Molasses Brine

The following recipe is a simple brine idea for pork but feel free to try it with duck and other poultry (like your Thanksgiving turkey). Brine your pork ribs or chops for 4 to 6 hours, a whole turkey 8 to 10 hours. You may need to double or triple the recipe for large cuts or roasts.

For ribs, follow up with a dry rub, which will further flavor the meat.

1 3/4 cups water
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons Kosher salt
2 Tablespoons unsulfured molasses
1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon ketchup

Combine the ingredients in a gallon-size zipper-lock bag (or one big enough to hold your meat); seal and shake until the salt and sugar dissolve, about 30 seconds. Put the bag in a bowl just large enough to hold it snugly. Open the bag, add the meat. Seal the zipper, leaving about an inch open; push on the bag to release any trapped air through the opening, and close the zipper completely. Massage the liquid gently into the meat and refrigerate for the suggested time.

Makes about 2 cups
Source: Mastering the Grill by Andrew Schloss and David Joachim


Sage and Savory Rub

2 Tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 Tablespoons kosher salt
1 Tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons mustard powder
2 teaspoons dried sage
2 teaspoons dried savory
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Use as directed in a recipe; can be store in a tightly closed container for up to 1 month.

Makes about 1/2 cup
Source: Mastering the Grill


BBQ Queens' Love Potion for the Swine

Use this award-winning sauce on brisket, poultry and of course, ribs. If you crave the heat, boost it with 1 or 2 tablespoons more dry mustard and red pepper flakes. It can also be thinned with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar and used to mop your meat when slow smoking.

One 24-ounce bottle ketchup
One 12-ounce bottle chili sauce
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup dry mustard
2 Tablespoons red pepper flakes
1 Tablespoon celery seeds
1 Tablespoon garlic salt
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
1 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 cup water

In a large saucepan, combine all the ingredients and simmer over medium -low heat for 45 to 60 minutes. After you pour the ketchup and chili sauce into the saucepan, turn the almost empty bottles upside down and add the rest to the mixture. Use immediately, or store, covered, in the refrigerator for several months.

Makes about 6 cups.
Source: BBQ Queens' Big Book of Barbecue by Karen Adler and Judith L. Fertig.

Jewels Quelly        www.angelfoodpcs.com (Get our free e-zine by signing up at our website!)
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