‘Discount Diva’ strikes again, lands a spicy bargain

My 16-year-old, 25-inch Sony TV went on the fritz in January after it made a loud popping noise.

The picture quality afterward had a greenish hue and the sound crackled with static.

I had been longing to own a new high-definition, flat-screen TV, so I wasn’t particularly upset by my old model’s timely demise.

I was sure a 31- or 32-inch set would fit easily inside my entertainment armoire, the focal point of my living room.

This massive piece of furniture, which was so popular in the ’90s, is now an antiquated room hog taking up entirely too much space. I shopped around looking for the best buy and found it at Best Buy. What a coincidence!

I bought a 31-inch Samsung and took advantage of their three-years-no-interest payment plan.

I had never financed a purchase there before, so I was delighted to learn I would be receiving rewards coupons in the mail for future purchases.

The first coupon arrived last month right before my birthday.

I’ve been searching the sale papers for a bright red, 4 ½-quart Crockpot® for a while, and was so excited to discover Best Buy had one on sale that week.

I rushed to get there the next day and grabbed the last one in stock—it was meant for me—and proudly handed the cashier my $15-off coupon.

The original price was $24.99, but the sale price was $16.99.

The cashier deducted my coupon, making the final price $2.15 with tax. Woohoo! The Discount Diva scores again!

This latest addition is number-four in my slow-cooker collection.

You may recall I sang the praises of slow cookers in my column before Christmas and urged you readers to add one to your wish lists.

Well, did Santa deliver?

I hope so because I am sharing one of my favorite slow-cooker recipes with you today.

Actually it is my sister Beckie’s Internet find for barbecued ribs, but I have tweaked it a bit to suit my taste.

Barbecued Pork Baby-Back Ribs

Supplies:
Flat-head screwdriver
Whisk or large spoon
Basting brush
Sharp knife
1-cup liquid measure
Measuring spoons
Large baking pan
Large and medium-sized mixing bowls
Large slow cooker (6 ½-quart capacity)
Tongs or 2 large spatulas

Ingredients for cooking sauce:
2 slabs pork baby-back ribs
24 oz. cola (Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, or any store brand)
2 tablespoons dehydrated minced onions
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
3 cups barbecue sauce (any brand and any flavor)
Cooking spray

Ingredients for basting sauce:
1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
1 ½ cups barbecue sauce

Directions:

Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs, if there is one, by using a flat-head screwdriver to loosen it at one end and then pull it off.

Cut the ribs into thirds and place in a large slow cooker.

Mix all the ingredients except the ribs in a large mixing bowl.

Measure out one-half of the ingredients except the cola and place in a medium-sized bowl; mix, cover and place in the refrigerator as this will be used as the basting sauce later.

Pour cooking sauce over ribs in slow cooker, making sure ribs are completely submerged; cover with lid and cook for four hours on high.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees just before the four-hour cooking period is done.

Remove ribs with tongs or spatulas and place in a large baking pan coated with cooking spray, dicard the cooking liquid.

Remove the basting sauce from the refrigerator and brush onto the ribs.

Cook ribs in oven for 15 minutes.

Brush ribs again with basting sauce and cook for another 15 minutes.

Visit Hattie’s Recipe Box online to find another slow-cooker recipe.