Slow Cooker Rubbed Country Ribs

My pork rub

There is a big flavor difference in rubbing on spices as opposed to just sprinkling them on. Rubbing it, or patting it, a more appropriate word, into the meat gets the spices to actually go all the way into the meat not just on the surface. So of course this makes for a more flavorful meat. This recipe can be used in a slow cooker or baked in the oven on all cuts of pork; rib cuts or roast cuts, even chops. When baked in oven cook at a low temperature no higher than 300 degrees. Do not cover them. They cook slowly so as the juices come out they coat the spices you have rubbed on and this forms a crust on the outside and holds the moisture on the inside. So you end up with this nice flavored crust of spices mixed with the meats juices and the meat on the inside is full of flavor and moist, tender falling off the bone. You can put them on the grill and add your favorite barbecue sauce and cook till sauce is grilled on with that nice charcoal taste added to it. But a friend who has just acquired a slow cooker has requested some recipes from me. So Robbie this is for you. Hope you enjoy a long and luscious life with your slow cooker. LOL

RUB

INGREDIENTS:

Roasted garlic powder
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Chili powder
Black pepper
Paprika
Cumin 
Salt (I use sea salt or kosher)

 It is hard for me to give exact measurements because I just make up large batches and store in one of my old spice bottles and mark it as pork rub. This way I have it to use without always having to mix up the spices every time. I just put it in a bowl take the shaker caps off the spices so I can pour them instead of shaking them...takes so much longer that way. I start off with the garlic and onion powder using equal amounts, then about 1/4 of that amount roasted garlic powder. Add 1/8 that amount in paprika and cumin, use less of chili powder and pepper add salt to taste. I mix them all together thoroughly then put a little on my finger and taste it to see if I have the combination of flavor I want. I like to be able to taste the cumin and garlic. I just keep blending in the flavors until it taste how I like. You may like more spice so add more chili powder. Like I always tell ya...make it your own... can't be wrong if you like it!! Janie's philosophy!! 


Just a little side note on this recipe about 10 to 15 minutes before you remove the meat add a jar of sauerkraut to the juice. If you like when you put meat in add a few new potatoes and carrots. If your not a fan of sauerkraut then put in raw cabbage same time as meat. This way you will have a completed meal veggies and all. I personally like to add the kraut I like the crisp sour flavor. If you cook a butt roast you can pull the pork apart add your favorite barbecue sauce, grab some buns and you have pulled pork sandwiches. Hope you enjoy this juicy flavorful way to enjoy all your cuts of pork.

If you are like my friend Robbie who requested this recipe and like it spicy hot then add a touch of any of the hot peppers...they all come in ground form now. I usually find them in the isle with the Hispanic spices. They have chipotle, jalapeno, habanero and cayenne pepper. Just add which ever one you like or add them all, as little or as much heat as you like. Just taste test to make sure you have a good flavor blend. I have been cooking so long I can just smell a spice and tell whether it will be good in a Spanish or Italian dish...which ones will blend well and give a good flavor combination and which will not. Like anything else in life it just takes time and practice. When I first started cooking I would throw a spaghetti noodle against the back wall of the stove..if it stuck it was done. Now I know just by stirring the pasta how done it is!! Cooking is like anything else in life you have to just start and with effort and time you learn and get better. If you cook because you want to please the ones you love and give them a healthy flavorful meal..or just try something different for a change.. if your doing it with love it will be great. Every thing in life is trial and error...no one is born knowing anything...we all start out the same in life, totally dependent upon others for our care and well being. The most famous person in the world had a mom who had to change their poopy diapers, clean their spit up and spoon feed them. It is because we have a desire to learn to be more or do better that we endeavor to find out how to go about something. Find something you love and you will excel at it because it's important to you. I really want to learn to oil paint...it's at the top of my bucket list to do so! I want to take paint and easel and go to the beach or a beautiful landscape and just stand there and paint to my hearts content. Not a life of death thing that really matters, but a hearts desire. When we find and do what the heart desires we find peace, contentment and happiness...and that my friends is what is important. No one but you can truly make you happy. And don't forget to add the secret ingredient love..double dose it, let it flow freely, it will make your food taste better than any thing you can physically add!! Janie's philosophy!!