june 28, 2022

Grilling season is here, y’all. You need good barbecue sauce whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or carnivore. Homemade Smoky Barbecue Sauce is the condiment of your dreams. Whisk good quality ingredients and simmer for five minutes. Done. Store in your fridge for months and months.

Homemade barbecue sauce is economical and simple to customize. Spiciness, sweetness, tartness and smokiness are all open to personal tastes.

Two ingredients in particular are worth the splurge. Organic ketchup contains real sugar and not high fructose corn syrup. Real apples make organic apple cider vinegar so much better than acidic vinegars made in labs.  The secret ingredient is a little Lea & Perrins sauce. You taste the difference and feel good about your sauce. You will be proud to give it away. Homemade barbecue sauce is a sweet host gift for gatherings.

Sauce versatility is also important. I’ll try this as a glaze for Turkey Apple Meatloaf. I am salivating at the thought of dipping Duck Fat Fries in this spicy barbecue sauce. Possibilities are endless. Crispy home roasted chicken would be even more delicious with a schmear of barbecue sauce when hot or next day on a sandwich. Elevate coleslaw mix with a few spoons. Tone down creamy salad dressing with a dab of barbecue sauce. Your burgers will thank you. Even a simple cheese sandwich gets star treatment with your sauce.

Just in time for July Fourth : Homemade Smoky Barbecue Sauce.

Homemade Smoky Barbecue Sauce

recipe by Michele Humlan, The Good Eats Company

makes about 3 cups

ingredients

2 cups organic ketchup (made without high fructose corn syrup)
½ cup water
4 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons pure apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
1-2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chile powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder

directions

Combine all ingredients, whisking well, in heavy two quart saucepan (higher sides needed so less splatter of this thick mixture). Bring to simmer, whisking, and cook for five minutes. This will thicken on standing, but if you like a thinner sauce, add splashes of water once cooled. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for months. Sauce may be customized with less sweet, more tart, more smoky and heat from chile powder or hot sauce.