Maple Cocktail Rib Bites Recipes

Steps:

• Muddle the cherries, maple syrup, bitters and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
• Add ice to the muddle and shake quickly to blend and coat the ice.
• Add the Bacon-Infused Bourbon to the shaker and stir--don't shake; it will bruise the whiskey.
• Pour into a rocks glass (don't strain; you want all that marinated ice in there). Garnish with a lemon wedge.
• Cook the bacon until crisp. Add the bacon and its rendered fat (drippings) to a Mason jar with the bourbon. Freeze until the fat has solidified, then remove top fat layer. Strain the bourbon into another Mason jar or sealable container and put back in the freezer. Repeat the last step once or twice more, finishing by straining through a fine-mesh sieve lined with damp cheesecloth. Use immediately or keep refrigerated in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the ribs into 1 1/2-2" pieces. Place either a disposable tin pan or a shallow baking dish lined with non-stick foil. Salt and pepper the ribs to taste.
• Cover with foil and place in the oven for 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir together the remaining basting sauce.
• Remove the ribs from the oven and drain any fatty liquid. Toss with 1/2 cup of the sauce.
• Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake an additional 30 minutes, basting with the remaining sauce.

Steps:

• Cut kielbasa into bite-size pieces.
• Dip pieces into a mixture of maple syrup whisked with mustard.
• Thread the kielbasa chunks onto skewers and grill over medium heat, about 3 minutes per side or until browned and heated through.