Hickory Smoked Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 4 thick-cut pork rib chops
• 1 cup salt
• ¾ cup honey
• 2 cups hot apple cider vinegar
• 2 lb ice
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp ancho chile powder
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns, cracked
• Olive oil
• Soaked hickory chunks

Method

1. Combine salt, honey, and vinegar in a gallon-size zip-top bag. Add ice and shake until ice is mostly melted and mixture has cooled.
2. Insert pork chops and brine in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours.
3. Drain pork and pat dry with paper towels. Discard remaining brine.
4. Combine remaining seasonings and rub on both sides of each pork chop.
5. Get your smoker ready. Place chunks in the firebox and keep the smoker at around 250°F.
6. Brush with olive oil and grill on high just until marked. Flip and repeat 1 more time.
7. Move to smoker and insert a probe thermometer into one of the chopes. Cover and cook until internal temperature reaches 140°F for medium rare, 155°F for medium, and 165°F for toast. Carry-over will take it the last 5 degrees. Keep checking the temperature and microwave if needed to get above 145°F.
8. Move to a plate and let rest 5 minutes. Serve warm.