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Brown Sugar and Bourbon Ribs
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Be sure to remove (or score) the membrane on the underside of the ribs so that the seasonings can penetrate and fully flavor the meat. Even better, ask the butcher to remove the membrane. What to drink: Kenwood Vineyards 2003 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($17).
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup golden brown sugar — packed
- 0.5 cup apple butter
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon golden brown sugar — packed
- 1.5 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 racks baby back pork ribs — 2 to 2 1/4-pound
- 1 large onion — sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick — broken in half
- 6 thin rounds peeled fresh ginger
- 1¼ cups apple cider
Method
- 1
Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl to blend.
- 2
Mix first 7 ingredients in small bowl. Using small sharp knife, loosen membrane from underside of each rib rack and pull off (or score membrane). Rub 1 tablespoon seasoning mix into each side of each rib rack. Place ribs in large roasting pan. Cover and chill at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.
- 3
Preheat oven to 325°F. Lift ribs from pan. Scatter onion, cinnamon stick, and ginger in pan. Pour in cider. Return ribs, meat side down, to pan; cover pan with foil. Roast ribs until meat is tender and begins to pull away from bones, about 2 hours. Uncover; cool at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
- 4
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill ribs until heated through and slightly charred, about 5 minutes per side. Brush generously on all sides with basting sauce. Grill until sauce becomes sticky glaze, about 3 minutes longer per side. Transfer rib racks to cutting board. Cut racks between bones into individual ribs. Arrange on platter and serve, passing remaining sauce separately.