Rub Your BBQ the Right Way

Memorial Day has past, but then comes July 4, then Labor Day...bring on the barbeque! Barbeque is such a standard in our American culture and cuisine that the Smithsonian has compiled a history of it. There are four distinctive barbeque styles in the US, represented by four areas in the "barbeque belt" - Kansas City, Memphis, the Carolinas and Texas. Some claim that its not barbeque unless it is pork, but nearly every type of meat can be "barbequed" ie slow cooked over indirect heat so that the result is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Sauce is optional, but you gotta add a rub.

Any type of meat can be cooked with a rub. Here are the general rules for applying your rub.

1. Rinse meat in cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Generously coat meat with olive oil.
3. With one hand, apply the rub; use your other hand to rub the seasoning into the meat. Apply generously to the entire surface of the meat.
4. For larger cuts of meat, use your knuckles to press the rub in deep to help the flavor be absorbed by the meat.

Here are some unique and delicious rubs to try out for Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day or any day. Rub your friends and family the right way with a delicious barbeque!

Kick It Up With Caffeine Rub

Ingredients

• 1/3 c instant espresso powder
• 1/4 c brown sugar
• 3 t coarse salt
• 3 t lemon pepper
• 1 t cayenne pepper
• 1/4 t five spice powder
• 1/4 t garlic powder

Blend together all ingredients. Can be stored in an air-tight container for about 6 months.

Red, White and Blue Rub

Ingredients

1/2 c brown sugar, 2 T dried minced onion, 1 T garlic powder, 1 T ground mustard, 1/2 t cayenne pepper, 1/8 t ground nutmeg

Blend together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Five Herb Rub

• Ingredients
• 1 T dried basil, rosemary and thyme
• 1 1/2 t dried oregano
• 1 1/2 t dried marjoram
• 1 1/2 t sugar
• 1 t salt
• 3/4 t garlic powder
• 1/2 t pepper
• 1/4 t onion powder
• 1/4 t cayenne pepper
• Blend together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Spicy Poultry Rub

• Ingredients
• 1/3 c paprika
• 1 t cayenne pepper
• 1 t ground black pepper
• 1 t ground cumin
• 1 t dried oregano
• 1/2 c sugar
• 1/3 c brown sugar
• 1/3 c kosher salt
• 1/3 c garlic salt
• Blend together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Lone Star Rub

• Ingredients
• 1 T smoked sweet paprika
• 2 T chili peppers
• 2 t chili powder
• 1 T ground celery seed
• 1/2 t cayenne pepper
• 1 T oregano
• 1/2 t garlic powder
• 1 T coriander
• 2 t ground mustard
• 1 t white pepper
• 1 t coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/2 t allspice
• 3 T salt
• Blend together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Beale Street Rub

• Ingredients
• 1 T sweet paprika
• 1 T onion powder
• 1/2 T garlic powder
• 1 t cayenne pepper
• 1 t black pepper
• 1 t white pepper
• 2 T light brown sugar
• 2 T white sugar
• 2 t cumin
• 2 T kosher salt
• 1/2 t ginger
• Blend together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Holy Mole Rub

• Ingredients
• 1 T ancho chili
• 1/8 t cayenne pepper
• 1 T smoked sweet paprika
• 2 t ground cumin
• 1 t oregano
• 1 1/4 t cocoa powder
• 2 t brown sugar
• salt and pepper to taste

Blend together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.