Trim fat from ribs. Place ribs in a 4- to 6-quart pot with enough water to cover ribs. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 1-1/2 hours or until tender. Drain.

For sauce, in a small saucepan cook the onion and garlic, in hot oil until tender. Stir in the catsup, apricot preserves, vinegar, pepper, steak sauce, and chili powder. Bring just to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Stir together the cumin and salt in a small mixing bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over both sides or fibs; rub into surface.

Prepare grill for indirect grilling. Test for medium heat above the drip pan. Place ribs, meaty side up, on the lightly oiled grill rack over the drip pan. Cover and grill for 15 minutes or until the ribs are tender, brushing occasionally with the sauce. Heat the remaining sauce until bubbly; pass with the ribs. Makes 6 servings.

Habanero peppers and their near-identical cousins, Scotch Bonnets, are some of the hottest peppers grown. More dainty palates may substitute jalapeno or sweet orange peppers. Because chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, avoid direct contact with them as much as possible. When working with chile peppers, wear plastic or rubber gloves. If your bare hands do touch the peppers, wash your hands and nails well with soap and warm water.