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

To create a versatile and all-purpose wet rub, combine ingredients like olive oil, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried herbs, and a touch of honey. This balanced and savory wet rub works well on a variety of meats, from steak to chicken to pork chops.

Spice Blends

Curry powder is a versatile spice blend that brings the flavors of India and Southeast Asia to your dishes. It typically combines spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Curry powder can be used to season meat, vegetables, soups, or even rice and grains.

Infused Oils

For a touch of sweetness, create vanilla-infused oil by placing split vanilla beans in a bottle of oil. Let it infuse for a few weeks, then strain out the beans. This aromatic oil is wonderful for baking, adding a subtle vanilla flavor to cookies, cakes, or even homemade ice cream.

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

Almonds are a great pairing with fruits like apricots, where their crunchiness provides a nice contrast to the soft texture of the fruit. This combination works well in desserts, salads, and savory dishes.

Food Facts

Watermelons are 92% water, making them an excellent choice for staying hydrated during hot summer months.

Cooking Tips

To easily peel boiled eggs, give them a quick plunge into an ice bath after cooking. The cold shock helps loosen the eggshell and makes peeling a breeze.

Ingredient Spotlight

Tomatoes are a versatile fruit that is used as a vegetable in cooking. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and flavors. Tomatoes are used in salads, sauces, soups, and as a base for many dishes around the world.

Foraging Facts

Wild berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are abundant in many regions and can be found in forests, fields, or even your own backyard. Before foraging, make sure to identify the edible berries and be aware of any potential hazards, such as thorny bushes or poisonous look-alikes.

Baking Hacks

For evenly baked cookies, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This ensures that the cookies bake uniformly and avoid any hot spots in the oven.

Culinary Terms

Poaching is a gentle cooking method where food is submerged in liquid, usually water or broth, and cooked at a low temperature. It helps retain moisture and create tender results.