We are starting to get a few hints of crisp cold air here in the Northeast and I love it. This time of year reminds me of not only of the fall but the football season and my Grandma. Believe it or not the biggest football fan in our family was my Grandma Brinson. Even though I’m not a big football fan, I know my way around the game. When it was time, we would all gather in my Grandma’s living room ready for kickoff. The coffee table was always decked out with snacks, most of which my she made, and the food wouldn’t stop until the game was over. She would put on her “Skins” sweatshirt and it was game on. Grandma was a tried and true Washington Redskins fan that truly disapproved of the Dallas Cowboys (big rival back then) always yelling what a “shit ass” they were. Even in her 80’s she would crack me up by having a six pack of tall boy Budweiser in the fridge, one for each game. Even if football wasn’t your thing, it was a fun place to be.

My Grandma Brinson was an adventurous woman her entire life and I can see why my Granddad fell in love with her. They never had a dull moment. Susan reminds me of her all the time.

Dry Rub Ribs Recipe

So with the football season upon us and the crisp air outside, I have the perfect recipe for ribs with a dry spice rub that will warm your soul and feed the crowd as they cheer for their favorite team.

To Grandma Brinson: Go Redskins!

Dry Spice Rubbed Ribs

Makes enough for 4 racks of ribs

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1/4 cup cumin
• 2 tbsp cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp cayenne powder
• 2 full rack pork ribs

Instructions

1. Mix all the spices and brown sugar together making sure to mash up any lumps.
2. Spread the rub evenly over the ribs on both sides by rubbing it in the meat with your fingers. Set aside while you prepare the grill.
3. Prepare the grill with the charcoal rack in the lowest position and the grill rack at the highest position. Once the charcoal is ready, place the ribs bone side down on the outer edges of the grill. If you are using a gas grill the heat should be on medium.
4. Grill for 20 minutes then flip over and grill for another 20 to 25 minutes. Be careful of flare ups. Move the meat as needed.
5. You can also bake these in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes turning once half way through. The outside of the ribs will be a bit caramelized and the inside tender.

You can make the spice rub in advance and keep in an airtight container for three months.