I have a couple questions about the ABT'S , that maybe someone could help me out with . First of all , are you supposed to blanch or boil them a little to soften them up before you put them on the smoker or does that happen while thier cooking. Also , where is the best place to cut them open for coring. Maybe slice it down the side? I saw the pics of the ones with the tops cut off . I'm going to try some this weekend with the spare ribs I'm going to smoke . It will be my first try at the ABT'S. Thanks for any advice.