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

If you're a fan of smoky flavors, incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle powder into your dry rub. These spices lend a delightful smokiness to meats, especially when combined with other ingredients like brown sugar, cumin, and garlic powder.

Wet Rubs

If you're looking for a tropical twist, try a wet rub featuring ingredients like pineapple juice, coconut milk, lime zest, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar. This sweet and tangy wet rub is excellent for chicken or shrimp, adding a burst of island-inspired flavors.

Spice Blends

Herb de Provence is a delightful blend of dried herbs that originated in the Provence region of France. It typically includes herbs like thyme, rosemary, marjoram, savory, and lavender. Herb de Provence adds a fragrant and herbaceous flavor to roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even potato dishes.

Infused Oils

Have fun exploring the world of infused oils and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. With a little experimentation, you can discover your favorite combinations and create signature infused oils that will enhance your cooking and delight your taste buds.

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

Cilantro and lime are a classic pairing in Mexican cuisine. The citrusy flavor of lime enhances the fresh and herbaceous taste of cilantro, creating a vibrant combination used in salsas, guacamole, and marinades.

Food Facts

Cucumbers are 95% water, making them an incredibly hydrating and refreshing snack.

Cooking Tips

When making fluffy scrambled eggs, whisk them vigorously before cooking and incorporate a small amount of milk or cream. This helps to create lighter and fluffier eggs.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pumpkin is a fall favorite known for its sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant orange color. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as pies, soups, roasted vegetables, and desserts.

Foraging Facts

Acorns, the nuts of oak trees, can be foraged and used as a versatile ingredient. However, acorns contain tannins that make them bitter and astringent. Proper processing, such as leaching or grinding, is necessary to remove the tannins and make them edible.

Baking Hacks

If you need to soften brown sugar that has become hard, place a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container with the sugar overnight. The moisture will help soften the sugar.

Culinary Terms

Fold is a gentle mixing technique used to incorporate delicate ingredients, such as whipped cream or beaten egg whites, into a heavier mixture. It helps maintain airiness and prevent deflation.