Honey BBQ Sauce

Summer has bid us a fond farewell (until it returns in all its October bright blue weather glory of Indian Summer), but yesterday, Summer came back to me, in a sense.



Restaurant Quality received her winnings from the WI State Fair!!!!! Judging was held in late July, but the moola is sent in September. Ribbons are awarded for 4th through 1st place, with the moola increasing with each 'place'. Woo-hoo, $43 for Restaurant Quality....



When I saw the envelope in the mail, it hit me that I have not told you of my Honey BBQ Sauce.



It took first place in one of the 'honey' categories, put $10 in my Crate and Barrel pocket, and, the biggest kick of all: awarded the 'Judge's Favorite' ribbon. YIPPEE, YAHOO, and GOSH-O-GOLLY.



Restaurant Quality and Mr. Restaurant Quality entered AND won ribbons in several categories, which you'll be reading about in later posts. This will include the telling of the Granola Smackdown.



For now, here's how to make the Judge's Favorite.



Life is good......................





Honey BBQ Sauce (adapted from The Neely's)



Makes 3 1/2 cups



2 C. ketchup (catsup, for those of you so inclined)

1 C. water

1/2 C. honey

1/2 C. apple cider vinegar

5 T. light brown sugar

5 T. sugar

1/2 T. ground black pepper

1/2 T. onion powder

1/2 T. ground mustard

1 T. lemon juice (fresh is best)

1 T. worcestershire sauce



In saucepan, combine all ingredients.



Bring to boil, reduce heat to simmer.



Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour and 15 minutes.





My Notes:



I usually double this recipe, right off the bat. Mr. Restaurant Quality uses this sauce for his

pulled pork and 3 1/2 cups is not nearly enough.



Recipe easily doubles.



I usually cook the sauce for 2-2 1/2 hours.



I need to learn how to 'can' --- excuse me, I should use the now correct phrase: food preservation. This sauce is so versatile that I'd like to have jars of it in 'the fruit cellar'. As an aside, the fruit cellar is more of a wine storage area for me, but I could squeeze in some jars of bbq sauce. One does go with the other!!!



Great with chicken, pork, and to make Sloppy Joes.