Recipe: All-Purpose BBQ Seasoning (pic)

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All-Purpose BBQ Seasoning

This is for those of you who need or want a great basic all-around barbecue seasoning
(or "rub"). This is also a great base recipe for creating your own signature seasoning.

Rub1_2.jpg


This recipe is very close to what I use in competition cooking. I've left out a few (very
few) "secret ingredients" so that I can maintain a competitive edge. Take it and make it
your own.

When I say that this is "all-purpose", I mean it. This rub works well on every kind of meat,
and even vegetables or popcorn.

It's key to remember that any seasoning is only as good as its ingredients. Quality fresh
ingredients are what separates a great rub from the pack. Buy the best you can find and
you will be amazed at the difference. For outstanding spices I strongly recommend
World Spice Merchants.

Ingredients
1 c Sea salt, medium fine (no table salt, please)
1/2 c Unrefined evaporated cane sugar (no table sugar, please)
1/2 c Dark brown sugar, dried (instructions below)
2 Tbs Sweet Hungarian paprika (the real deal, please)
2 Tbs Chili powder (Spice Islands is a good store-bought brand)
2 Tbs Granulated onion (not onion "powder")
2 Tbs Dry mustard (I prefer Colman's)
1 Tbs Granulated garlic (not garlic "powder")
2 tsp Black pepper, ground fresh (I use a separate coffee grinder for spices)
2 tsp Celery salt
2 tsp Ground ginger
1 tsp Ground cayenne

Method
Preheat your oven to 170°.

Pour the sea salt and dark brown sugar on a large sheet pan, mix well, and spread the
mixture evenly over the entire pan.

Bake the salt/sugar mixture 60 minutes, or until the sugar is very dry.

Notes: Drying the sugar prevents clumping and ensures an even distribution in the
final product. Drying it with the salt helps prevent the sugar from becoming a solid sheet.
It's happened to me, and it's bad. That's how I developed this method.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

When the sugar is dry, remove the pan from the oven and let cool. Once cool, grind the
mixture well in the pan by rolling it with a rolling pin. Do this several times in alternating
directions.

Sift the salt/sugar mixture into the mixing bowl. I use a fine mesh strainer and a pestle to
break it up further. Toss out any rock-like clumps.

Mix all the ingredients very well (I use a large whisk) and store in an airtight container.

-----

John
 
McCormick (especially their "Gourmet" line) is certainly a great choice, and it's
readily accessible. I've used their stuff for years, but there are some things
that are just better ground as fresh as you can get them. That certainly applies
to competition cooking.

World Spice Merchants grinds them the same day that you order them, and
their service is top-notch.

John
 
Oh, if you do go with McCormick, make sure you try the new "roasted" varieties
in their Gourmet line (bottom left at the link above).

They definitely add a new dimension of flavor -- especially the cumin and cinnamon.

John
 
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