Bourbon Baby Back Ribs

1 (1-3/4- to 2-lb.) rack baby back pork ribs, cut into 2-rib sections

1-1/4 tsp ground cumin

1 cup purchased barbecue sauce

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 Tbsp minced red onion

2 Tbsp bourbon

2 tsp chili powder

Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Sprinkle ribs with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Place ribs, meaty side up, on grill. Cover and grill for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix the barbecue sauce, cilantro, onion, bourbon, chili powder, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon cumin in a heavy small saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Place saucepan at edge of grill to keep sauce warm.

Turn ribs meaty side down. Cover and grill until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Turn ribs over again; brush meaty side generously with sauce. Cover and grill ribs until sauce sets thickly, about 3 minutes longer. Divide ribs between plates. Serve with remaining sauce.

Thin slices of sweet potato can be grilled alongside the ribs, then drizzled with maple syrup. Have coleslaw and corn bread on the side, too. End with lemon meringue pie.

Makes 2 servings (can be doubled).

Bon Appetit, June 2000