Cook up ribs for the big game

By Metro Creative

Watching the big game with family and friends makes sports more enjoyable for many people. Game watch parties can be lavish affairs with a full buffet of foods, or more laid back potluck gatherings.

When choosing foods for a game watch, certain staples should not be ignored. Ribs are one such food. Many sports fans feel a tailgate or game watch party is not complete unless ribs are served. Those who want to whip up ribs at home can prepare the following recipe for “California-Style Baby Back Ribs with Sage Honey” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing).

California-Style Baby Back Ribs with Sage Honey

Serves 4 as an appetizer

1 cup tamari

1/2 cup honey, preferably sage honey

4 garlic cloves, peeled

1 whole rack baby back ribs (about 2 pounds)

1 small Meyer lemon

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F.

2. Combine the tamari, honey and garlic cloves in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, but watch carefully so the mixture does not burn. Remove from the heat and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, place the rack of ribs in a deep baking pan. Add 1 cup water, or enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Bake the ribs for 45 minutes.

4. Remove the water from the baking pan and brush the marinade on the ribs. Bake, uncovered, basting frequently with the marinade, for 30 minutes longer, or until thoroughly cooked.

5. To bring a crisp finish to the ribs, preheat the broiler or prepare a hot fire in a charcoal or gas grill. Broil or grill the ribs just until crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning.

6. Squeeze the Meyer lemon over the ribs just before serving. Cool, cut and enjoy!