Mellow Rib Rub

(originally posted to the wrong blog... my apologies)

Wanted to do something with some pork spareribs that wasn't a heavy Southwestern blend and that would complement smoking with Apple Wood chips:

• 1/4 C Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp ea:
• Kosher Salt
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• Sweet Hungary Paprika
• Crushed Marjoram
• Ground Ginger
• Ground Coriander
• Ground Cloves
• Crushed/Ground Fennel

Personally, I'd go on the light side (3/4 or less) with the Cloves and Fennel to help keep the more subtle apple wood flavor come out more.

Warm Your Belly Rub

I do a fair amount of grilling throughout the year. I'll stand in rain, snow, hide from sleet, and bundle up as appropriate to complete a meal with some nicely grilled, preferably smoked, meat. In the course of dinners, I've played with various wet and dry preparations. The following recipe will be inflicted on my in-laws and relations via their Christmas stockings this year. It is my understanding that they enjoy a little kick to their spices so I aimed to deliver. This has been kitchen and friend tested and has received the "Scott Safe" label by the narrowest of margins.

My wife and I are admittedly spice snobs, we like fresh spices and frequent our local Penzy's Spices store.

With no further ado, here is a dry-rub blend I'm calling "Warm Your Belly Rub." (sized in parts)

12 parts Brown Sugar
4 parts Medium Hot Chili Powder
2 parts Ground Cumin
2 parts Ground Chipotle Chili Powder
2 parts Kosher Salt
2 parts Course Ground Black Pepper
2 parts Garlic Powder (not salt)
1 part Lemon Zest (I used a dried Lemon Peel)
1 part Ground Allspice