Round 3: Slow Cooker Ribs

My husband loves ribs. Absolutely loves them in a way that he just discovered in the past year or two. Being newly married, I now have all sorts of kitchen appliances that I wasn't aware I needed but am adoring - one of which is my brand-spankin' new slow cooker. Here's my newly perfected rib recipe that he loves. Warning: They've got a bit of spice.

Kelly's Slow Cooker Ribs #3

2 racks pork, country-style ribs, cut into 2 to 3 rib portions

Premade spice rub*
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons hot sauce (or chipotle-in-adobo sauce works too!)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Take ribs and cut into 2-3 rib sections and rub liberally with the premade spice rub. Take a cookie sheet (with a lip on the edge!) and place your ribs bone-side down and bake for 1 hour. Combine all other ingredients (except ribs) in a bowl and stir together. (If you like a smooth sauce, you can puree in the food processor or blender).

Transfer ribs to the slow cooker and pour sauce all over them. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or high for 2-2.5 hours. Serves 4 normal people or 2 like my husband and his coworkers. :) Easy and delicious!

*If you don't want to use a premade spice rub, you can use a lot of the same spices above to achieve the same deliiiicious flavor. Here's my recipe for my spice rub - make a little extra and keep it onhand for your next ribfest.

Rib Rub

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 tablespoon cumin

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper