SMOKY CRANBERRY RIBS

Smoky Cranberry Ribs image

I love cranberries and freeze them in season to enjoy all year-round. Living near New Jersey's cranberry bogs inspires me to develop new and delicious ways to use them, as in this recipe.-Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 2h25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Previous Next

Ingredients

4-1/2 teaspoons paprika
4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons fennel seed
1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
6 pounds pork baby back ribs
SAUCE:
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
1-1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
1 cup cider vinegar
1 small sweet onion, chopped
1/4 cup ketchup

Steps:

In a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle, combine the first nine ingredients; grind until fennel and caraway seeds are crushed. Set aside 4 teaspoons for sauce., Rub remaining spice mixture over ribs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour., Wrap ribs in a large piece of heavy-duty foil (about 28 in. x 18 in.); seal tightly. Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan. Place ribs over drip pan and grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until tender., In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, brown sugar, vinegar, onion and reserved spice mixture. Cook over medium heat until berries pop, about 15 minutes; cool slightly. Transfer to a blender; add ketchup. Cover and process until smooth. Set aside 1 cup sauce for serving., Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack. Carefully remove ribs from foil. Place over direct heat; baste with some of the sauce. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 20-30 minutes or until browned, turning and basting occasionally. Serve with reserved sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1023 calories, Fat 62g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 245mg cholesterol, Sodium 1936mg sodium, Carbohydrate 63g carbohydrate (58g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 51g protein.