Homemade Barbecue Sauce

It excites me that food bloggers allow others to have a peek into their kitchens and have the opportunity to try their tried and true recipes. Laurie from the blog, Simply Scratch, just shared a secret with all of us readers. She worked her magic in the kitchen and recreated Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce. She's kept this one to herself for a while.

I have never had that barbecue sauce before. I've heard rave reviews of it. Why would I even need to try it out now?

Itty Bitty requests barbecue sauce on everything and is his condiment of choice. He approved of this barbecue sauce and enjoyed it on baked chicken drumsticks basted with it. 

I made the full batch and froze half of it to enjoy another night. This is a great no cook barbecue sauce recipe that is quick and easy to prepare.

Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Simply Scratch

Makes about 4 cups

Stars of the Show:

• 1 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 1/2 tsp ground mustard
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

And Action:

In a large bowl whisk all ingredients until the sugar has dissolved and the spices are thoroughly distributed. Serve immediately or cover and store in the fridge or freeze.



Rachael Ray's Originial BBQ Sauce

Our plans for July 4th were simple. Fire up the grill. Houston has a burn ban in full force and all fireworks displays had been cancelled. That wasn't going to ruin the evening and we still decided to host dinner and enjoy our neighbors' company. Normally, we'll head to the store and just grab whatever looks or sounds good at the time for that night's dinner and everyone will contribute something as well. Not this time.

Early that morning I was flipping through a magazine when I came across a recipe for Rachael Ray's Original BBQ Sauce and had all of the ingredients on hand. Keeping it simple I decided just to grill some chicken and baste it with this sauce. We also grilled hot dogs and brushed the BBQ Sauce on some burgers. For a side dish I grilled corn on the cob brushed with olive oil and pickled jalapenos thrown into the foil pouches. Yummy!

The barbecue sauce is simple and has a tangy bite. Our neighbor stuck his finger in the sauce to sample and thought it was delicious. It received rave reviews from all.

Rachael Ray's Original BBQ Sauce

Star Magazine, June 27, 2011

Makes approximately 1 cup

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp dark amber maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1/3 palmful coarse black pepper - This is one reason I can't stand Rachael Ray's recipes. Every one's palms are different sizes. I just shook the shaker and sampled until it was to my liking.

And Action:

Place a small sauce pot over medium heat and add all the ingredients. Once the mixture starts to steam reduce the heat to medium low and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly thickened and flavors are combined.