The Texas Style Beef Ribs recipe pairs wonderfully with "Spare" by Prince Harry, thanks to its in-depth exploration of heritage and legacy, echoing the soulful connection to barbecue traditions. Complement this pairing with a classic "Old Fashioned" cocktail, which captures the timeless essence of both the book's themes and the barbecue's rich, smoked flavors. This trio creates an immersive experience that celebrates a blend of history, flavor, and storytelling.
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Wood chips for smoking (oak or hickory recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the ribs to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Make the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, and thyme. Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub, ensuring all sides are covered. Let the ribs rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Smoker: Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect cooking at 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips for smoking to impart a rich, smoky flavor to the ribs.
- Smoke the Ribs: Place the seasoned ribs on the smoker or grill, bone side down. Close the lid and smoke the ribs for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C) and the meat is tender. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain a consistent temperature and smoke.
- Rest the Ribs: Once cooked, remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in more tender and flavorful meat.
- Serve: Slice the ribs between the bones and serve them hot. Enjoy with your favorite barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.
Spare
A deeply personal and emotional memoir from Prince Harry, exploring themes of familial duty, love, and legacy within the British Royal Family.
It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on. For Harry, this is that story at last. Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight. At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love. Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . . For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.
Discussion Questions
- What are the most vivid examples of Prince Harry's struggle with his identity as a royal versus as an individual?
- How does Prince Harry's narration style affect your understanding of his experiences?
- Discuss the impact of historical family dynamics on Prince Harry's choices. Are they justified?
- Which parts of the book most effectively conveyed the challenges of living under constant public scrutiny?
- In what ways does Prince Harry's life reflect the themes of heritage and modernity?
- How does Prince Harry's recounting of events reshape public perception of the royal family?
- What role does privacy play in Prince Harry's narrative and how is it portrayed?
- Analyze the relationship dynamics between Prince Harry and his family member's portrayal. What stood out to you?
- What emotions did Prince Harry's journey evoke, and why?
- How did Prince Harry's personal anecdotes contribute to his advocacy work?
Authors:
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
ISBN: 978-0593236714
Publisher: Random House Canada
Published Date: 2023-01-10
ISBN: 978-0593236714
Publisher: Random House Canada
Published Date: 2023-01-10
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a rich history that complements the smoky, savory notes of Texas-style barbecue. Made with bourbon, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus, it's the perfect drink to savor while diving into a deep memoir.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- 1 teaspoon water
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate it with bitters.
- Add a dash of plain water and muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
- Fill the glass with large ice cubes and add whiskey.
- Gently stir the cocktail.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry.