SPICY SMOKED BACK RIBS WITH MAPLE GLAZE

Steps:

• 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.
• 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.
• Heat charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking at 275 degrees F. Add drained wood chips, if using.
• 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.
• 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.
• Return wrapped ribs to the grill and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours more over indirect heat, until very tender. Add more coals as needed to maintain temperature for a charcoal grill.
• 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.
• Serve ribs with remaining barbecue sauce.