1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sweet paprika
3 tbsp. black pepper
3 tbsp. coarse salt
1 tbsp. hickory-smoked salt or more coarse salt
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. celery seeds
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. Use fingers to break any lumps of brown sugar. For this recipe, your hands work better than a spoon or whisk. Use this good old American barbecue rub on ribs, pork shoulder, chicken – anything you want to taste like American barbecue. Use 2-3 teaspoons per pound of meat. To make a spicier rub, substitute hot paprika for some or all of the sweet paprika.
Store rub in airtight jar away from heat or light; it will keep for at least 6 months.