BBQ Ribs and Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

BBQ Ribs and Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:
   • Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
   • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off with a paper towel for grip.
2. Dry Rub:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
   • Rub this mixture generously all over the ribs.
3. Bake:
   • Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, meat side up.
   • Cover the ribs with another piece of aluminum foil to create a sealed packet.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bone.
4. Grill:
   • Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
   • Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the top layer of foil.
   • Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and place them on the grill.
   • Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with more BBQ sauce, until they are nicely charred and caramelized.
5. Serve:
   • Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting them into individual ribs.
   • Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it is lightly browned and bubbling.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps.
   • Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
3. Add Cheese:
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
   • Season with salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and smoked paprika, if using.
4. Combine:
   • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Serve:
   • Serve hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese or some chopped parsley for color.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ ribs and creamy macaroni and cheese!