Apple-Bourbon Country-Style Pork Ribs

1 lb country-style lean pork ribs
1/4 cup no sugar added apple juice
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tsp Splenda brown sugar blend
2 tbsp bottled barbecue sauce
2 tsp cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1 granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
Salt & Pepper, to taste

1. Season ribs with salt and pepper; place in a 6-quart slow cooker. In a medium bowl whisk together juice, bourbon, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, vinegar, and the 1/2 the thyme. Pour bourbon mixture over ribs in the cooker.

2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 3 hours or on high-heat setting for 1-1/2 hours.

3. Add apples to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours more or on high-heat setting for 1-1/2 to 2 hours more or until apples and ribs are tender.

4. To serve, transfer ribs to a serving platter. Strain cooking liquid and serve with ribs.

Serving Size: Makes 8 servings