Classic Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs

2 slabs baby back ribs

Rub:

2 T. ground ancho pepper

½ c. paprika

¼ lb. brown sugar

3T. ground black pepper

Braising Liquids:

24 oz. Coca-Cola 1 c. chicken stock

Combine ribs with rub and braising liquids in plastic bag; refrigerate overnight. Next day, remove ribs from refrigerator. Heat oven to 275 degrees. In long glass baking dish or long non-reactive baking pan, place ribs and the contents of plastic bag. Cover with parchment paper sealed with aluminum foil. Bake for about 21/2 hours or until meat begins to pull away from bone.

Sauce:

2 c. Coca-Cola

2 c. ketchup

½ c. white vinegar

¼ c. packed dark brown sugar

2 tsp. ground black pepper

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients for sauce in medium saucepan; bring to a boil  over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove ribs from marinade and place on sheet pan. Increase temperature of oven to 375 degrees. Baste ribs with sauce on all sides until sauce becomes caramelized. When ready, cut ribs into individual pieces; serve with sauce.

Robert R. Crook, Dallas, Texas, 1st place – Picnic with Coca-Cola