Basic American Barbecue Rub - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sweet paprika
3 tablespoons black pepper
3 tablespoons coarse salt
1 tablespoon hickory smoke salt or 1 tablespoon more coarse salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons celery seeds
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to mix.
(Actually, your hands work better for mixing than a spoon or whisk does. Use your fingers to break up any lumps of brown sugar.) Store the rub in an airtight jar away from heat or light; it will keep for at least 6 months.
Use 2 to 3 teaspoons per pound of meat.
A 4-pound chicken will take 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons.
To make a spicier rub, substitute hot paprika for some or all of the sweet paprika.