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Dining In: In Vermont, Stick to Ribs
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The state's famous maple syrup is good for more than pancakes
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BY REGINA SCHRAMBLING
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A morning paddle on one of Vermont's tranquil lakes; maple-glazed ribs.
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Maple syrup is liquid Vermont, and a natural ingredient to consider when cooking there. As a glaze for ribs, it takes on a certain smokiness—not surprising, as it’s made by boiling down the sap drawn from maple trees in springtime. Buy it in glass or plastic; syrup in tins often tastes metallic. Grade A Fancy is considered the finest, but the darker Grade B is better for cooking—it has more maple flavor.
More and more of the state’s small farmers are raising pork the old-fashioned way. Look for heritage breeds like Berkshire, Yorkshire or Tamworth in farmers’ markets and some supermarkets. EatWild.com has a good listing of retail shops.
Maple-Glazed Ribs
Serves 4 to 6
2 racks baby back ribs, about 2 lb. each
2/3 cup maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. grated ginger
1 large jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 Tbsp. peanut oil or vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of one large lime
HEAT oven to 300°F and line a shallow baking dish with foil. SEASON ribs liberally with salt and pepper and lay them in the dish in a single layer, meat side down. Combine maple syrup, garlic, ginger, jalapeño, oil and lime juice in a bowl and whisk to blend. SPOON about a third over the ribs to coat generously. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover, turn ribs over and spoon more glaze on top. COVER and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and glaze again. Raise heat to 375°F and bake, basting occasionally with remaining glaze, until meat is tender and glaze is dark, about 30 minutes longer.
STAY
RCI affiliated resorts in Vermont include:
SMUGGLERS' NOTCH RESORT 0300
In the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, with a year-round zipline and heated pool. 4323 Rte. 108 S., Smugglers' Notch
MOUNTAINSIDE RESORT AT STOWE 0667
A romantic spot, thanks to its vistas. Vermont's highest peak, Mt. Mansfield, is right nearby. 171 Cottage Club Rd., Stowe
GRAND SUMMIT RESORT HOTEL–MT. SNOW 4915
A conveniently located lodge-style resort. Many units have fireplaces. 89 Grand Summit Way, West Dover
For additional resort listings, visit RCI.com or call 800-338-7777 (Weeks) or 877-968-7476 (Points). Club Members, please call your specific Club or RCI telephone number.
Non-RCI affiliated resorts:
1824 HOUSE INN
Rte. 100, Mad River Valley; 802-496-7555; 1824house.com; doubles from $115 per night
INN AT THE ROUND BARN
1661 E. Warren Rd., Waitsfield; 802-496-2276; theroundbarn.com; doubles from $175 per night
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Published: Spring 2012
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Photos: Getty Images; Regina Schrambling
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