Apple Butter on Boston Butts

[herrjaeger]

When smoking BBS, I’ve usually used mustard on them before applying a dry rub. For awhile now, I’ve been thinking about using Apple Butter instead of mustard, since apple flavors go so well with pork traditionally. I did a search here before trying it, and I didn’t find any previous posts for this particular application. It has finally gotten a bit cooler here in SC, getting me interested in smoking again, so I tried it two nights ago. It gave me nice dark brown bark, which I’d expected given the sugar content of the Apple Butter, with excellent taste. Apologies if this has been posted before.

 

[chilerelleno]

Look good.
Now that's one I've never heard of, Apple Butter as a binder for rub.
Just might have to try that out, thanks.

 

[normanaj]

Looks good!

I have a small(3.5lb) boneless butt on now.If I had seen this yesterday I would have given the apple butter a try,that really does look good.

 

[SmokinAl]

Love the bark, that's for sure!!
Al

 

[gmc2003]

It's definitely has a good bark. Nice Job.

Point for sure.
Chris

 

[Bearcarver]

Great Idea, Mike!!
Apple Butter being quite Thick, should definitely do a great job of holding the Rub!!!
Like.

Bear

 

[herrjaeger]

Thanks, guys. I was surprised how little it took to cover the butt-I think it actually covered the meat more easily than the mustard I usually use, and the bark taste was very good. I ate lots of Apple Butter as a kid in PA, not so much in recent years as I no longer live near an apple growing area. Now I have an extra reason to keep some around. I need to look for a BBQ sauce recipe with Apple Butter, or make one if I don’t find one. Let me know if any of you try the Apple Butter.

 

[TomKnollRFV]

Time for me to open a jar of my Pear Butter for an experiment!

 

[mike49107]

Just the other day, I was thinking about doing this for ribs. We live close to some Amish communities and can find the "good stuff" pretty easy. Going to try it out on a ham I am double smoking for dinner tomorrow!

Thanks!

 

[herrjaeger]

Ham and Apple butter; two favorites. Have you ever tried soaking/marinating ham in ginger ale before baking? I save the pan drippings and cook leftover ham with green beans and potatoes the next day and the ginger ale/ham drippings really add flavor. I can imagine with smoke and Apple butter ham drippings would be equally good.