Apple City Baby Back Ribs and Sauce
CIDER SOAK
1 1/2 cups apple cider or juice
3/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 onion, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 pounds baby back ribs
APPLE RIB RUB:
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
APPLE RIB MOP (optional)
1 1/2 cups apple cider or juice
1/2 cup cider vinegar
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
APPLE CITY SAUCE:
1/4 cup butter
1 medium onion, minced
2 1/2 cups apple juice or cider
2 tablespoons dark molasses
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
The night before you plan to barbecue, combine the soak ingredients
in a large lidded jar. Place the slabs or ribs in a plastic bag or
shallow dish and pour the marinade over the ribs. Refrigerate them
overnight. Prepare the smoker for barbecuing, bringing the
temperature to 200 - 220�F. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator
and drain them, discarding the marinade. In a bowl, mix together the
dry rub ingredients and pat the ribs with about half the mixture.
Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 25 to 30 minutes. If you
plan to baste the meat, mix together the cider, vinegar and
Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Warm over low heat.
Transfer the meat to the smoker. Cook the ribs for approximately 3
hours, turning and basting them with the mop every hour in a wood
burning pit, or as appropriate in your style of smoker. About 45
minutes before the ribs are done, brush them with Apple City Sauce
and repeat the step shortly before you remove the meat from the
smoker. When the slabs are ready, the meat will bend easily between
the ribs, and the sauce will be gooey and sticky and caramelized in
spots. Allow the slabs to sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing them
into individual ribs. Serve with more sauce on the side.
The Sauce: In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the onion and saute for a couple of minutes, until onion is
softened. Mix in the remaining ingredients, reduce the heat to low,
and cook the mixture until it reduces by about one-quarter,
approximately 30 minutes. Stir frequently. Serve the sauce warm. |