Coffee Lover's Barbecued Ribs

Serves 4

Coffee lends a depth to the high vibrancy of this barbecue sauce—it's like a brass band of flavors with the coffee playing the tuba! The ribs should end up delectable and tender, flecked with crispy bits of coffee-laced sauce. Serve them with plenty of hot French fries, a cold Romaine salad, and your favorite dark beer or iced coffee.

4 pounds pork spareribs
1/2 small onion, grated
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup catsup
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup freshly brewed strong coffee

1. Place the ribs in enough cold water to cover and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over a low heat, place the onion, garlic, brown sugar, molasses, catsup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 7 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the coffee until well blended.
3. Place the ribs in a large bowl and pour the barbecue sauce over them. (You may hold the ribs in the sauce for several hours before finishing.) Finish cooking the ribs over a medium hot grill (or in a preheated 475-degree oven) for about 15 to 20 minutes, basting them often with the sauce.