I've always been intimidated by grilling, especially ribs. Growing up, my dad did all of the grilling, so I guess I just saw it as a "man's job," which sounds incredibly sexist...which I am not. I pride myself on not sticking to gender-specific roles in my marriage. For example, I cut the grass, and hubby cleans the toilets. I kid you not, he cleans the toilets!!
Anyway, back to the grill - Last night, I made the best dinner - BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables. Even my picky 7-year-old enjoyed it.
BBQ Spare Ribs
4 lbs of spare ribs, cut into servings
Grill Mates Mesquite Seasoning
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ Sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray's Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously season each serving of ribs in Grill Mates Mesquite Seasoning. Double wrap each with heavy duty aluminum foil, and place all of them on a baking sheet. Bake in oven for 1 1/2 hours. Heat grill to about 250 degrees. Remove ribs from foil, and baste each side with BBQ sauce. Place each piece directly onto the grill and cook for 15 minutes on each side, basting once after turning.
Mashed Potatoes
8 potatoes, peeled and quartered
milk (about 1/2 cup, more or less to create desired consistency)
1/4 cup butter
salt
pepper
Boil potatoes in water over high heat for about 20 minutes, or until easily smashed with a fork. Mix with butter until small lumps form. Add milk, and mix to desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix until smooth.
Disclaimer: I know that sounds a bit sketchy, but mashed potatoes really need to be cooked and mixed to the desire of the person eating them.
Grilled Vegetables
1 small red onion, cut into large chunks
1 zucchini squash, cut into half-moon-shaped pieces
1 yellow squash, cut into half-moon-shaped pieces
8 oz. whole white mushrooms, left whole
about 1/2 Italian Dressing (I use Hidden Valley Zesty Italian)
6 skewers
Wash and cut vegetables, and place in a large bowl. Pour dressing over vegetables, and shake to coat. Place vegetables on skewers (have your preschooler help you do this, and teach him about patterns). Place skewers on grill, and cook for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.