Cherry-Chipotle Glazed Back Ribs

Prepare the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. (5 minutes)

Season the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Generously coat both sides of each rack with the dry rub. Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. (1 hour)

Make the Cherry-Chipotle Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, distilled white vinegar (including the extra tablespoon), water (including the extra tablespoon), Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chile powder, and black pepper. (5 minutes)

Simmer the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze has thickened slightly. (20 minutes)

Finish the Glaze: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cherry preserves. Set aside to cool. (2 minutes)

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill for indirect cooking, aiming for a temperature between 250°F and 300°F (120°C to 150°C). If using a charcoal grill, add soaked and drained wood chips to the coals. (10 minutes)

Smoke the Ribs: Place the ribs, meaty side down, over a drip pan on the indirect heat side of the grill. Cook for 2 hours, spritzing both sides with apple juice every 20-30 minutes to keep them moist. Replenish coals as needed to maintain the temperature. (2 hours)

Wrap the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the grill and double-wrap each rack tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil. (5 minutes)

Continue Cooking: Return the wrapped ribs to the grill and continue cooking over indirect heat for another 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the ribs are very tender. Add more coals as needed. (1.5-2 hours)

Glaze the Ribs: Remove the wrapped ribs from the grill and unwrap them carefully. Place the ribs over direct heat and brush generously with the cherry-chipotle glaze. (2 minutes)

Set the Glaze: Cook for about 5 minutes, until the glaze is nicely set and caramelized. Turn the ribs and repeat with another coat of glaze on the other side. (5 minutes)

Serve: Remove the ribs from the grill. Slice and serve immediately with any remaining glaze on the side.