All-Purpose BBQ Seasoning
This is for those of you who need or want a great basic all-around barbeque seasoning (or "rub"). This is also a great base recipe for creating your own signature seasoning. This recipe is very close to what I use in competition cooking. I've left out a few ( very few ) "secret ingredients" so that I can maintain a competitive edge. Take it and make it your own. When I say that this is "all-purpose", I mean it. This rub works well on every kind of meat, and even vegetables or popcorn.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 170°.
Pour the sea salt and dark brown sugar on a large sheet pan, mix well, and spread the mixture evenly over the entire pan.
Bake the salt/sugar mixture 60 minutes, or until the sugar is very dry.
Notes: Drying the sugar prevents clumping and ensures an even distribution in the final product. Drying it with the salt helps prevent the sugar from becoming a solid sheet. It's happened to me, and it's bad. That's how I developed this method.
Combine the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
When the sugar is dry, remove the pan from the oven and let cool. Once cool, grind the mixture well in the pan by rolling it with a rolling pin. Do this several times in alternating directions.
Sift the salt/sugar mixture into the mixing bowl. I use a fine mesh strainer and a pestle to break it up further. Toss out any rock-like clumps.
Mix all the ingredients very well (I use a large whisk) and store in an airtight container.
