Ingredients
Directions
About one hour before you plan to start grilling, make the rub: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, garlic, chili powder, salt and pepper. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then sprinkle both sides of each rack with the rub. Set aside at room temperature for one hour.
Preheat the grill for indirect cooking at 250 to 300ºF. Add the drained wood chips, if using.
Place the ribs, meaty side up, over a drip pan, close the grill, and cook for 2 hours, adding about 12 coals to a charcoal grill every 45 minutes or so to maintain the heat.
Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, molasses, vinegar, oil, mustard, pepper and orange zest and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly thickened. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
Continue to cook the ribs until they’re so tender the rack will easily break when bent with tongs, 1 to 2 more hours, spraying on both sides with the apple juice every 20 to 30 minutes. Brush the ribs on both sides with the sauce and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, until the sauce is set. Remove from the grill and let stand for 5 minutes.
Cut the racks into 3- or 4-rib sections and serve. Pass any remaining sauce at the table.
