This time of year with the little breaks of sunshine, I start craving barbecue but the weather doesn't always comply. Today, I'd like to present an easy way to prepare ribs in your oven. Many of the recipes that are for making inside usually rely on liquid smoke which can be so strong it tastes artificial. In this recipe I use whiskey and smoked pepper to impart a little bit of smoke to the ribs.

Bourbon is burnt oak and alcohol. Not only does it make for good barbecue it also is a perfect pairing with Barbecue. Now if you don't like your whiskey neat or on the rocks there a few simple recipes that are great for party's. A Whiskey Ginger is 2 to 3 parts good quality ginger ale (Bundaberg, Reeds) and 1 part bourbon. Classics like The Mint Julip or Bombadier also make for a great party. A simple punch is equal parts - bourbon, sweet vermouth, sparkling apple cider and orange juice. Garnished with sliced orange and plenty of ice and you have a refreshing beverage that lends itself to barbecue and good times.

We here in Seattle and Pacific NW are blessed with a bounty of great wines, craft beer and of course coffee. In the last few years we have seen the same passion turned towards distilling. Prior to 2008, there were no craft distilleries in Washington State. Today, with 110 distilled spirit plant licenses, we have more distilleries than any other state in the union. Seattle alone boasts 17, there are 27 in King County, which is more than any other county in the USA. Distilleries like Westland, Copperworks, Glass, 2 Bar are making waves not just here but around the world. Garnering acclaim awards and press the world over.

Woodinville Whiskey Company has received numerous awards including Best Distillery 2016 (Seattle Weekly, King 5 Best of Western Washington & 425 Magazine). Recently, Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named 2016 Whiskey of the Year from the American Distilling Institute.

Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV $47.99 This truly small-batch bourbon starts with traditionally grown corn, rye and malted barley. The staple grains are cultivated exclusively on the Omlin Family farm in Quincy, Washington. The grains are mashed, distilled, and barreled in the Woodinville distillery. 100% handmade in Washington state and aged in a new, charred oak 53 gallon barrel. Sweet aromas of crème brûlée and spice, notes of caramel, dark chocolate, and vanilla with a sweet, lingering finish.

~Lenny

3 Pounds Baby Back Ribs ½ cup soy sauce ½ cup coca cola ½ cup bourbon whiskey***Rub 3 Tablespoons Ground Mustard 1 Tablespoon Granulated Garlic 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder 2 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika 2 Tablespoon Chile Powder 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper 1 Teaspoon Salt 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar ***Whiskey BBQ Sauce 1 Each Onion, Diced 1 Clove Garlic, Minced ½ Cup Cider Vinegar ½ Cup Brown Sugar ½ Cup Whiskey 1 Cup Ketchup 1 Cup Dijon Mustard 2 whole chipotles in adobo 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder