Apple Cider Marinated Pork Spare Ribs

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2000

1 rack pork spare ribs
Salt
Essence, recipe follows
5 cups apple cider
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup thinly sliced onions
2 cups julienne apples, such as Granny Smith with peel
2 cups veal reduction
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Season both sides of the ribs with salt and Essence. Place the ribs in a large glass rectangle-baking dish. Pour 3 cups of the cider over the ribs, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 24 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove ribs from the refrigerator and discard the marinade. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the flesh side of the ribs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then wrap in alluminum foil. Place in the oven and cook for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

Preheat the grill. Place the ribs on the grill, flesh side down, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning the ribs every 2 minutes, or until the ribs are nicely marked.

In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and apples. Season with salt and pepper. Sautee for 2 minutes.

Add the remaining 2 cups of cider and the veal reduction. Bring to a simmer and continue to cook until the mixture reduces by half, about 8 to10 minutes.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly. Yield: 2/3 cup