BBQ Sauce

This has been a weird month. I am in a privileged position compared to many people but that doesn’t mean there aren’t struggles. Our Airbnb has been affected, my new business is slow going, and I’m dealing with anxiety that has never manifested before now. I am trying to keep a positive outlook and be thankful for what I do have: a supportive husband, two cuddly dogs, friends to work out with and have drinks with (socially distanced), creative food ideas and my health. I hope you can put a positive spin on your current situation too. This pandemic is a reminder to be grateful for what you have and be generous to those who are not as lucky. Let’s give plenty of hugs and continue to wash our hands when this is over.

The limited poultry at the store the last few weeks has adjusted my content calendar so today we are talking BBQ Sauce. This is a fantastic condiment for the summer but it is another sneaky contributor of added sugar. As I try to eliminate sneaky sugar as often as possible, I went on a hunt last year for a homemade version and found Nikki Dinki’s recipe (Food Network Star and cookbook author). Her version still has some sugary items in it so I adapted and eventually it morphed into the one here. It does have a small amount of honey but it can be left out if you are on a strict no-sugar policy. In the current stressful world, let’s not worry too much about sugar in our lives but save this post for the future when we can have friends over for non-socially distanced grill sessions.

---

BBQ Sauce

Makes ~ 3 1/2 cups

• 1/2 cup chopped Onion

• 1 TBS Olive Oil

• 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic

• 1/2 tsp red chipotle powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/8 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 12oz tomato paste

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

• 3 TBS Worcestershire sauce

• 1 1/2 TBS Deli Mustard

• 3/4 cup water

• 2 tsp honey (optional)

1. Chop onion and add to sauce pot with olive oil and minced garlic

2. Cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes

3. Add spices, stir and toast for 2 minutes (chipotle powder, paprika, ginger, thyme, kosher salt, cinnamon, black pepper)

4. Add tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard, and water.

5. Mix and turn up heat to medium and bring to a low simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Add honey, mix, and continue to stir with a low simmer for 20 minutes.

7. Store in mason jars in the fridge