The barbecue season is swiftly coming to a close. But we fully intend to soak up as much of the remaining summer sunshine as we can and fire up the grill at least a few more times! And what goes better with some savory grilled meat than some succulent, irresistible barbecue sauce?
I love barbecue sauce. There’s nothing like a hot summer’s evening, surrounded by family and friends, enjoying the great outdoors and gobbling up some tender meat fresh off the grill and slathered in barbecue sauce. Or, equally as pleasant, a cold winter’s day, wrapped up in a warm blanket, snuggled up with my hubby and boys, enjoying slow cooker barbecue ribs in front of a blazing fire while watching football on TV.
But, as usual, I quite dislike unhealthful commercial barbecue sauce which is chock full of sugar, corn syrup, refined salt, and preservatives. All that stuff’s terrible for my waistline and for my health overall. Which is why I determined to invent the best, real food homemade barbecue sauce. The resulting sauce is tangy, spicy, sweet, and sour all at once. It makes the perfect condiment for grilled, baked, or slow cooked meats of all kinds. And it’s so super easy to make!
- 3/4 c. organic raw honey, melted
- 2 tbsp. blackstrap molasses
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. chili powder
- 1-1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- 1 tbsp. mustard powder
- 1 c. ketchup (I prefer homemade)
- 3/4 c. apple cider vinegar
- the juice from 1/2 lime
- 2 tsp. Real Salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
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Whisk together all of the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a soft-rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer. Cover and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes.
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Sauce will thicken somewhat as it cools. Once cooled, pour into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
100 to go! Today, my hubby picked up a basket from our local co-op. I was pleased that there was lettuce and some uber yummy grapes! Also today, the Little Mister and I went to the grocery store. We picked up a handful of goodies, including a few things to help me keep on track with Trim Healthy Mama, then headed on home. Heard some about a pow-wow show that some local Indian tribes were putting on at the county fair, but it was already getting too late, so we decided not to go. Maybe next year though. I’d love to see it and maybe even meet a few fellow native American.