Step 1

Preheat the oven or grill to 250 degrees F.

Step 2

Mix together: brown sugar and all of the remaining dry spices. Set aside one tablespoon worth of the well-combined spices to add to your apple butter mixture later.

Step 3

Remove the membrane from the underside of each rack of ribs. (It may help to use a butter knife to get under the membrane and then use your hands to pull it off once you can fit a finger underneath.)

Step 4

Place the ribs on a rimmed baking sheet and rub with the spice mix. Bake, meaty side up, for 2 ½ hours.

Step 5

Mix together: apple cider, apple butter, maple syrup, and a tablespoon of spice. Pour over the ribs and turn to coat. Cover well with foil and bake for an additional hour.

Step 6

To finish the ribs, heat up the grill and mix together the apple butter and barbecue sauce.

Step 7

Place the ribs on the grill and brush them with barbecue sauce, turning and brushing until they’ve glazed; about 15 minutes. Let them rest for 10 minutes and then serve. (If you don’t have access to a grill, feel free to finish them under the broiler…and make a note to buy a grill!).