Shelly's Recipe

SMOKED RIB TIPS WITH SPICY APPLE BARBECUE SAUCE

Category: Ribs

Serves: 4

1 tablespoon coarse salt (kosher or sea)
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon meat tenderizer
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 to 5 pounds rib tips
Spicy Apple Barbecue Sauce (recipe follows)

You'll also need: 4 cups hickory chips or chunks, or as needed

Make the rub. Place the salt, pepper, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, meat tenderizer, and cayenne in a bowl and stir to mix, breaking up any lumps with your fingers.

Arrange the rib tips on a baking sheet. Sprinkle on both sides with the rub, rubbing the spices into the meat.

Set up your smoker and preheat to 225° to 250°.

Arrange the seasoned rib tips bone side up in your smoker. Smoke until nicely browned and very tender, 5 to 6 hours in all, turning the rib tips over half way through.

Transfer the rib tips to a cutting board and cut widthwise into 1-1/2 inch pieces. Figure on 7 or 8 pieces for serving. Spoon a little Spicy Apple Barbecue Sauce over the ribs, serving the remaining sauce on the side.

Spicy Apple Barbecue Sauce

Makes about 2-1/2 cups

1 cup ketchup
2 cups apple juice
1/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons mild red pepper or chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper

Place the ketchup, apple juice, molasses, vinegar, brown and granulated sugar, celery seed, red pepper, cinnamon, and cloves in a large heavy saucepan and gradually bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking to mix.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce until thick and richly flavored, about 40 minutes, whisking often. When properly reduced, you'll have about 2-1/2 cups. Correct the seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be highly seasoned.