Hickory Smoked Ribs for Father’s Day + A Giveaway

I don’t know about you, but every year I encounter the same struggle; what do I get my dad for Father’s Day?

I know there are plenty of options out there… like the standard cologne, wallet, underwear, techie gadgets, and watches, but this year I wanted to give my dad something different. You see, ever since my dad started reading my blog he has become more of a foodie (naturally, right?). Every once and awhile he’ll send me photos of a mushroom grilled cheese, homemade caesar salad dressing, or a huge pan of lasagna he cooked for the guys at the fire hall. He’s really starting to enjoy cooking! So this year I decided to give my dad his very own custom recipe and all the tools to cook it!

One of my dad’s favourite things to cook is meat. I’m talking steak, roasts, ribs… chicken, beef, pork, wild game… a nice cut of meat is always on the menu! Since I’m not one to be picky when it comes to meat, I decided that for Father’s Day ribs would be the main feature… who can resist a slow cooked, hickory smoked rib with a flavourful sweet & spicy dry rub? Yeah, no one! To make sure the ribs stayed tender & fall-off-the-bone good, I knew smoking them was the way to go. After a quick trip to The Home Depot, I had two brand new Brinkmann Smoke n’ Grills in hand (one for me & one for dad), and was anxious to get started!

And you know what? Today’s your lucky day! Not only are you going to get a sneak peek of the delicious recipe I’ve created for my dad, you’ll have the chance to win a Brinkmann Smoke N’ Grill from The Home Depot for your own dad! Keep reading for all the details & recipe!

// Brinkmann Smoker How-To \\
Easy to use and assemble, the Brinkmann Smoke n’ Grill is an inexpensive and effective portable alternative to a large barbecue. Made for cooking meat “low-and-slow” over charcoal, this smoker and grill produces perfectly tender meat every time!

Step 1 // Assemble & Cure The Smoker (About 3.5 hours)
Sleek and compact, this smoker comes in one box and is easy to assemble in under 1 hour. Be sure you leave enough time for assembly and curing, as both have to be complete before using the smoker. During this time you can also prepare the wood chips (we got our hickory wood chips from The Home Depot as well) by soaking them in water for 20-30 minutes (or as per package directions).

Step 2 // Prep The Meat
While the smoker cures, prepare the meat (if you are planning ribs, then I highly suggest the recipe below!).

Step 3 // Preheat The Smoker
After the smoker is done curing (curing is only a necessary step if you are using the smoker for the first time), start a new batch of charcoal, install a filled water pan, and preheat the smoker (as per smoker instructions). You will know it’s ready when the temperature gauge reads “ideal.”

Step 4 // Add Smoking Wood Chips
Once the smoker reaches ideal temperature, add the water-soaked wood chips. Use tongs to place the chips on top of the charcoal; be careful not to stir up any ashes. Once the charcoal is burning strong again, close the door.

Step 5 // Smoking The Meat
Now comes the fun part, smoking the meat! Add the meat to the lower rack of the smoker. Close the lid. And wait! It might be hard, but try your hardest not to open the lid until the suggested cooking time is up (usually it’s one hour for every pound of meat)! Once the meat is fully cooked, remove from smoker and let it stand for 5-10 minutes. Then try to stop yourself from enjoying it all in one sitting!

// “Eddie’s” Hickory Smoked Sweet & Spicy Ribs \\
These delicious fall-off-the-bone ribs are the perfect Father’s Day feast! Cooked low-and-slow, these meaty morsels are well worth the wait!

Ingredients
2-3 lb pork back ribs
4 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp garlic powder
2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Directions
1. Let the meat come to room temperature. Using a paring knife, remove the membrane from the back of the rack. This is often the piece that is chewy, and get’s stuck between your teeth.
2. Mix the sugar, spices, and herbs in a bowl. Generously apply to all sides of the meat, massaging it in as you go.
3. Once smoker has reached “ideal” cooking temperature, place ribs inside. Cook low-and-slow for 2-3 hours, making sure not to remove smoker lid until meat has cooked for suggested time.
4. Remove from smoker and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
5. Cut ribs apart and enjoy with sweet baked beans and corn.

// Home Depot Father’s Day Brinkmann Smoke N’ Grill Giveaway \
Did you know Father’s Day is on June 21st? Have you bought dad a gift yet? Well you are in luck, I have teamed up with The Home Depot to offer you the chance to win a Brinkmann Smoker BBQ that will surely impress any BBQ obsessed dad!

Prize: A Brinkmann Smoke N’ Grill BBQ (valued at $89.99)

To Enter: Answer this question… What’s your favourite food to barbecue?
Contact Deets: Don’t forget to leave an email address!
Open To: Canada Only (excluding Quebec)
Closes: Friday June 5th at noon. Winner will be randomly selected, and announced on this post shortly thereafter.
Bonus Entries: Post about this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Leave a separate comment telling me you have done so.

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT…
Congrats to Julia! You are the winner of the Brinkmann BBQ!
Thanks everyone for entering!

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by The Home Depot. I was provided with the Brinkmann smokers for this post. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own. Good luck! And yes dad, you’re getting a smoker for Father’s Day… at least act surprised!