Smokin' Ribs Recipe Wins Just A Pinch Grill Contest!

Let me say, it surely is a good thing that the Kitchen Crew is made up of enthusiastic eaters! We had our plates chock full of good eats recently as we grilled our way through the many delicious dishes entered into the Just A Pinch Grill and WIN recipe contest. Happily, after much serious sampling and contemplative munching, one recipe stood out as the grand poo-bah of grill-friendly recipes: Sherri Logan Williams’ Smokin’ Baby Got Back Ribs!

These smoky, ultra-flavorful ribs were a unanimous hit with the panel of hungry judges. In fact, one judge – who asked that I keep her appetite anonymous – eagerly went back for thirds! Judged for ease of preparation, creativity, presentation and flavor, Sherri’s recipe really represented a total package. This dish is simple enough for non-grillers to experiment with, yet has flavors complex enough to keep grill pros coming back for more.

While some of the judges felt that the addition of cumin was truly Sherri’s secret weapon, others in the Crew loved her crafty smoking technique. “No smoker, no charcoal grill, no problem!” says Sherri, a resident of Crestview, FL. “What I used to do is simply soak some wood chips and put them in some aluminum foil, or buy a [metal] smoke box. On one part of the grill place your meat, and the other side of the grill – underneath the grill grates – put the wood chips.” Sherri then takes the flavor even further by placing a pan of apple juice, water and spirits on the grill. The resulting combination of smokiness and subtle fruitiness is truly out of this world.

For those who would prefer to make the recipe without alcohol, Sherri suggests using a simple can of cola! “The soda will tenderize the ribs and add a nice sweetness,” she says. I use Coke in a lot of recipes when grilling or smoking. Use 1-2 cans depending on how many lbs of ribs you are smoking.”

The whole Kitchen Crew gang thoroughly enjoyed stepping up to the grill and testing all your amazing grill recipes – what variety! In addition to a Grand Prize winner, we’re also proud to announce four outstanding Runners-Up:

STEAK ON THE GRILL – Shirley Terhaar of Richmond, IN

“We like t-bone steak and it’s the best with this recipe. This is for a big cook out, but you could 1/2 this recipe.”

ROAST PORK LOIN WITH BALSAMIC MUSTARD RUB – Adrienne Boswell of Glendale, CA

“I made this for Memorial Day, and it disappeared. The meat is moist and melt in your mouth tender. This roast does just fine in a cast iron skillet browned on top of the stove, and finished in the oven.”

ORIENTAL GRILLED CHICKEN – Diane Mishler of Twin Falls, ID

“Over the years, my cooking style has changed. This is one recipe that has stood the test of time. Don’t be fooled by how simple it is! Great served with a slaw or salad…”

RING O FIRE BURGER – Stephanie Heitmeier of Old Hickory, TN

“This burger has quickly become a family favorite. Don’t let the amount of ingredients scare you. Its very simple to put together and its YUMMY!”

I would like to take a moment to heartily congratulate all our Finalists. Creative grillers of the world, we salute you!

Now why not take a whirl at some winning of your own? The Just A Pinch Flour Power Baking Contest is heating up, and we think you may just have the (baked) goods to win! Enter today.