Jenn's Barbecue Sauce

The last time I made my Barbecue Bacon Meatloaf (recipe to come soon), I decided to venture into the world of home made barbecue sauce.  I have never been able to find a store bought sauce that tasted the way I wanted my barbecue sauce to taste.  All the brands were too tangy, too spicy, too smoky, or just "too" something and I decided enough was enough.  I had been missing out on some great recipes because I couldn't find a sauce that I absolutely loved. 

I came up with the brilliant plan to Google for a recipe.  Ok, that turned out to be an overwhelming experience!  There are about as many versions of barbecue sauce online as there are potato salad recipes in the United States.  Everyone, does something just a little different.  So I joined the crowd and made my own.  It is thick and sweet with a little kick and a slight tangy finish.  The thing about barbecue sauce is that there are many common ingredients, but the proportion and what a cook does with those ingredients can create hugely different results.  I can't wait to try this recipe out on a nice piece of grilled chicken, and I know it is fabulous with my Barbecue Bacon Meatloaf....so go ahead, make some for that next get together at your house.  I am confident that it will be a hit with everyone!

Jenn's Barbecue Sauce

Recipe Source: Me, A Cook's Quest

*Makes about 2 cups of sauce

1 cup Ketchup

1/2 can (3 oz) Italian Style Tomato Paste

2/3 c apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups brown sugar (we like a sweet sauce, adjust to your taste preference)

1 tsp onion salt

 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp dry mustard

1 tsp instant coffee

pinch of allspice

pinch of cinnamon

pich of cayenne pepper

*If desired you can also add a small amount of liquid smoke.  I didn't have any, but I will try it next time.

Over medium heat combine all ingredients and stir until the mixture just begins to boil.  Turn the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes stirring occasionally.  Allow sauce to cool (it will thicken during this time) then store in the refrigerator or pour into freezer safe containers and freeze.

**Cook's Note-If you taste the sauce before you allow it to cook there will be a very strong vinegar flavor--it won't be overly appetizing.  Once everything has cooked together, you will really be able to taste each spice and the vinegar flavoe will mellow out. 

Total Cost $1.29 (approximately)
Ketchup $.25
Tomato Paste $.12
Vinegar $.10
Brown Sugar $.47
Spices $.25 (about)

This cost is higher than what I would pay at the grocery store.  Most of the time, when an item is on sale and I have coupons I can get Barbecue sauce for $.50 or less, however, with that comes artificial flavors, preservatives, chemicals and my less than enthusiastic taste buds so it is worth the extra money to make my own.  For many, $1.29 is quite a bit less than a regular priced bottle of sauce so it is a good deal for them as well.