EAT RIBS AND SAVE 2,621 CALORIES

According to Cook This, Not That there is one dish that will actually make you gain one pound by the time you get the check. This dish actually has more than 4 DAYS WORTH OF SATURATED FAT! ONE MEAL AND IT HAS 4 DAYS WORTH OF SATUARATED FAT! I thought I needed to say that twice. This is one of the best examples of making smart choices.

Okay lets set the stage. The offender Outback Steakhouse and their Baby Back Ribs Full Rack

• Cost $12.95
• 3,021 calories (yes I said 3,021)
• 242g fat
• 90g saturated fat
• 4,678mg sodium

Seriously? I mean really!

Okay here is the home alternative and it actually includes Dr. Pepper. Wait before you start, even Dr. Pepper is fine in moderation, the recipe will explain.

Dr. Pepper Ribs

• Cost $5.17
• 4 Servings
• 400 calories
• 15g fat
• 4g saturated fat
• 1,140mg sodium

Ingredients

• 2 racks baby back ribs
• 1 bottle (2-liter) Dr. Pepper
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
• 1/2 onion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

• Place the ribs in a baking dish large enough to hold them comfortably
• Pour enough soda to cover, saving at least 1/2 cup for the barbecue sauce
• Add 1/4 cup salt and soak for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator
• Preheat the over to 350 degrees F
• Remove the ribs from the liquid and pat dry, discard liquid
• Sprinkle the ribs with the chili powder and return to the baking dish
• Add the water and cover tightly with foil
• Bake for 2 hours, until the meat is tender and nearly falling off the bone
• While the ribs are in the oven, make the barbecue sauce
• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat
• Saute’ the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, then add the ketchup, Worcestershire, vinegar, cayenne, and the reserved 1/2 cup soda
• Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens
• Heat a grill until hot
• Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and grill for 10 to 15 minutes, rib side down, on a cooler part of the grates
• Flip over and cook on the other side until lightly charred and smoky
• Remove from the grill brush with more sauce and serve

The Dr. Pepper takes place of the maple syrup or brown sugar and adds in sweetness.

So the story ends this way:

Saves 2,621 and $7.78!