Spicy Smoked Back Ribs with Maple Glaze

Directions

1. About 30 minutes before smoking, make the dry rub. Combine all rub ingredients in small bowl; mix well. Generously coat both sides of ribs with rub. Set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Whisk together all ingredients in large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

3. Heat charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking at 275oF. Add drained wood chips, if using.

4. Place the ribs, meaty side up, over a drip pan and cook for 2 hours, spraying with apple juice every 30 minutes. Add about 12 coals to a charcoal grill every 45 minutes or so to maintain the heat.

5. Remove ribs from grill. Place each rack on double stack of large aluminum foil. Drizzle maple syrup and butter on each rack; sprinkle with brown sugar and spray with apple juice; wrap each rack tightly with foil.

6. Return wrapped ribs to the grill and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours more over indirect heat, until very tender. Add more coals as needed to maintain temperature for a charcoal grill.

7. Remove ribs from grill and unwrap. Place ribs over direct heat on grill and brush with barbecue sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the sauce is set. Turn ribs and repeat with more sauce.

8. Serve ribs with remaining barbecue sauce.