Apple Cider and Maple Bourbon Sugar Smoked Summer BBQ Ribs

Author: Scott Stokes

Prep Time: Estimated 20 minutes
Cook Time: Estimated 4 hours
Total Time: Estimated 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Cuisine: BBQ
Author: Scott Stokes

Ingredients:

• 3 racks of ribs
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup maple bourbon sugar
• 2 tablespoons BBQ rub
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. In a bowl, combine apple cider and maple bourbon sugar to create a marinade.
3. Place the ribs in a large dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the ribs are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the ribs from the marinade and pat them dry. Apply the BBQ rub evenly on both sides of the ribs.
5. Place the ribs on the smoker grates and smoke for 2 hours, maintaining a steady temperature.
6. After the initial smoking period, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and continue smoking for an additional 2 hours until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone.
7. Remove the ribs from the smoker and carefully open the foil. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and return them to the smoker for another 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize.
8. Once the ribs are done, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Note: These Apple Cider and Maple Bourbon Sugar Smoked Summer BBQ Ribs pair well with cornbread and coleslaw for a complete barbecue meal.

Dry Rubs

To create an earthy and aromatic dry rub, try using a combination of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage. These herbs pair well with roasted meats and infuse them with a savory, fragrant essence. You can also experiment with adding ground coffee or cocoa powder for a rich and complex flavor profile.

Wet Rubs

If you enjoy a smoky and spicy kick, experiment with a chipotle wet rub. Blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and smoked paprika. This robust wet rub works wonders on grilled or roasted meats, providing a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy taste.

Spice Blends

Ras el Hanout is a Moroccan spice blend that translates to 'top of the shop.' It combines a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cardamom. Ras el Hanout adds depth and richness to tagines, couscous dishes, or roasted vegetables.

Infused Oils

For a spicy kick, create chili-infused oil by combining dried chili peppers with olive oil. Allow the mixture to sit for a week or longer to infuse the oil with heat. This oil can be used to add a fiery touch to stir-fries, marinades, or even drizzled over pizza or pasta dishes.

Edible Flowers

One example of using edible flowers is to make a floral-infused syrup. Combine sugar, water, and edible flowers like lavender or rose petals in a saucepan, heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool and strain out the flowers. The resulting syrup can be used to flavor beverages, desserts, or even drizzled over pancakes or waffles for a touch of floral sweetness.

Ingredient Pairings

Peanut butter and jelly is a beloved combination, particularly in sandwiches. The creamy and nutty flavor of peanut butter is beautifully complemented by the sweet and fruity taste of jelly or jam.

Food Facts

The world's hottest chili pepper is the Carolina Reaper. It measures over 2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and can cause intense heat and burning sensation.

Cooking Tips

When working with hot peppers, such as jalapeños or habaneros, wear gloves to protect your skin from the spicy oils. Avoid touching your face or eyes while handling hot peppers.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mango is a tropical fruit known for its juicy, sweet flavor and vibrant color. It can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or used in both sweet and savory dishes. Mango is popular in Asian, Latin American, and Caribbean cuisines.

Foraging Facts

Foraging for wild herbs like thyme, rosemary, and mint can provide a fresh and aromatic addition to your culinary creations. Look for them in wild meadows, hillsides, or along hiking trails.

Baking Hacks

To prevent a cake from sticking to the pan, line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. This makes it easier to remove the cake after baking.

Culinary Terms

Blanching is a cooking technique that involves briefly immersing food in boiling water and then transferring it to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. It is commonly used to preserve the color, texture, and flavor of vegetables.