It’s all about the sauce

Unless there is a bottled version you love, there is really no reason for you to buy it in the store when it is so easy to make.

This is a starter recipe that is easily adjustable if you like it a little sweeter, a little less sweet, kind of spicy, tangy or whatever. This recipe makes a lot of sauce that you can keep in the fridge and use for a looooong time. If you don’t want as much, just half the recipe( see here).

Ingredients:

• 3 C ketchup

• 1 C apple cider vinegar

• 3-4 T sugar (granulated)

• 3/4 C maple syrup ( I use "B" grade)

• 2 T blackstrap molasses (optional)

• 2 T Worcestershire sauce (vegan)

• 1 - 3 tsp. liquid smoke (depending on how smokey you like- start small)

• 2 tsp. mustard (yellow)

• 1 T garlic powder

• 2 tsp. onion powder

• 1- 3 tsp. salt (depending on your taste and type of salt you use)

• 1-2 tsp. pepper (ground)- sounds like a lot, but it’s really important to good bbq sauce

• 2-4 tsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 C water

  
  
  

directions:

1. In a medium saucepot, add all the ingredients and whisk together.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil and whisk again.  

3. Once the sauce has come to a bubble, set heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes to 1hour.

4. Check the sauce for seasoning and adjust if needed.

5. Stir the mixture again and make sure the sauce has thickened and is well combined. Remove from heat to cool and come to room temp.

6. I’d say that the sweetness on this sauce is mid to high (according to my palate), so my only suggestion here is depending on whether you like a really sweet sauce or more of a smoky sauce, start slowly with the sweetener…you can always add more if you like.

7. Pour cooled sauce in a mason jar or glass container and keep stored in the fridge until you use it up. There is a lot of sugar in the sauce, so it should last a long tim.