Ribs with Chipotle-Molasses BBQ Sauce

Wine suggestion This robust, full-flavored dish needs a robust, full-flavored wine. Zinfandel (not to be confused with White Zinfandel) is the most American of varietals, which is appropriate for this obviously most American of dishes. This is a full-bodied, spicy and intense wine which stands up great to this perfect example of full-flavored food.

Chipotle-Molasses BBQ Sauce

Yield: About 5 1/2 cups

• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large Spanish onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups canned plum tomatoes and juices, puréed
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 Tablespoons ancho chile powder
• 2 chipotle chiles, canned
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Heat the butter over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed medium sized saucepan. Add the onions and garlic and cook until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and water and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and purée until smooth, season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a bowl and allow to cool at room temperature. Will keep for 1 week in the refrigerator stored in a tightly sealed container.

Ribs

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 4 Tablespoons ginger, coarsely chopped
• 2 racks of pork ribs (12 ribs each)
• Chipotle-Molasses BBQ Sauce

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the soy sauce, 2 cups of water and the ginger and bring to a boil. Pour the mixture into the bottom of a roasting pan and place the ribs on a rack in the pan. Brush with the Chipotle-Molasses Sauce.

Place in the oven and bake for 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 hours, basting every 15 minutes