Ribs and Beans-Cowboy Style

Ribs are delicious! My recent discovery of rubs has made them even better! Apply the rub and chill the ribs to enhance the flavor. Bake the ribs until tender then grill until browned.

As the "Country Thunder Music Festival" in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin quickly approaches it is all about country music, cowboys and Texas style barbecue.

This recipe calls for 4 Lbs. of Beef Chuck Short Ribs. Country Style Pork Ribs can also be used. Trim fat.

When choosing beef ribs remember a large amount of marbling indicates a high quality beef that is tender and flavorful.

The Rub:

• 1 Tbs. Chili Powder
• 1 Tbs. Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 Tsp. Black Pepper
• 1 tsp. Ground Cumin
• 1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle rub over both sides of the ribs and rub in with your fingers. Place ribs in a shallow roasting pan and cover with foil. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove ribs from the refrigerator. Bake, covered with foil, for 1 1/2-2 hrs. or until tender

While the ribs are baking prepare the sauce and Cowboy Beans

The Sauce:

• 1 medium Onion chopped
• 1-2 tsp. Minced Garlic
• 1 Tbs. Olive or Vegetable Oil
• 1 1/2 cups Ketchup
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 cup Strong Coffee, heated
• 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 Tbs. Brown Sugar
• 1 canned Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce, chopped
• 2 tsp. Dry Mustard
• 1/2 tsp. Salt (optional)

In a medium saucepan heat oil. Cook onion and minced garlic until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally while cooking.

Cowboy Beans

• 2 slices of Bacon
• 1 medium Red Sweet Pepper, chopped
• 1 Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 1/4 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
• 1 Tbs. Chili Powder
• 1/2 cup Beer
• 2 medium Roma Tomatoes, chopped
• 1 16 oz. can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
• 2-3 tsp. Minced Garlic or 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves

Cook bacon until crisp. Drain and crumble. Reserve 1 Tbs. drippings in pan. Add sweet pepper, jalapeno pepper, onion and garlic to skillet and cook until tender. Add pinto beans, tomatoes, beer, chili powder, cumin and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until desired consistency. Stir in crumbled bacon. Spoon onto a serving dish and garnish with Fresh Cilantro.

Preheat grill.

Remove the ribs from the oven. Place the ribs on the grill rack and close cover. Grill ribs until browned, about 15 minutes, turning once.

Serve with the sauce and Cowboy Beans.