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.



Tomato Sauce

It was about time that I made homemade Tomato Sauce. I remember my Mama's white apron with bright red tomato sauce splatters when I still lived at home. This to me was love. When I'd walked into the house from school and the aroma of simmering tomato sauce was present I knew Mama put a lot of love into dinner. Nothing compared to her sauce.

I don't have her recipe. I'm sure she didn't even use one. I don't ever recall my Mama really pulling out cookbooks. I decided to wing it and make my own Tomato Sauce.

My Tomato Sauce has a little bit of a kick. It might be too spicy for little ones. My little man didn't seem to notice the heat until he got through half his bowl. I'm sure most won't be using spicy garlic olive oil like I did however. Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Perfect over pasta or with Chicken Parmesan. Enjoy!

Tomato Sauce

Makes 1 1/2 cups sauce

Stars of the Show:

• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil - I used Sotto Voce Spicy Garlic Olive Oil.
• 1 (14 oz) can tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 1/4 cup red wine - I used Shiraz.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

And Action:

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion powder and garlic. Add the tomatoes, wine, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 20 minutes. Add the salt and basil. Serve over pasta noodles.

Marking #2 off my "Stir The Pot" page. 1 down, 24 to go.