I’m pretty sure that I’ve stated it before but I’m a huge BBQ sauce fan.

None of this vinegar based stuff, I want a nice thick tomato based sauce.  That’s sweet and spicy.

You can dip with it or you can slather it all over some ribs.

Or you can toss it with some pulled pork and call it dinner.

That’s BBQ sauce to me.

I’ve been experimenting with making my own at home.  Sometimes I use ketchup as a base and sometimes I don’t.  Ketchup seems to yield the best results though and this latest version is by far our favorite.

Andrea’s Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• 1/2C Bourbon
• 1C Ketchup (look for one without HFCS)
• 1/3C Dijon Mustard
• 2TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
• 2TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2TBSP Brown Sugar
• 1 Fresno Pepper
• 1/2 Medium Onion, chunked
• 1/2 Green Pepper, chunked
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 2tsp Garlic Powder
• 2tsp Chili Powder
• 1tsp Smoked Paprika
• Big Pinch of Salt
• 1TBSP Light Olive Oil for sauteeing

In a medium sized sauce pan add olive oil and heat over medium heat.  Add in the peppers, onion, and garlic along with the pinch of salt.  Stir and sautee for about 3 minutes.

Remove pan from heat and add in remaining ingredients.  Add in the ketchup and mustard first before adding in the bourbon.  Take caution when adding the bourbon, add slowly to avoid a flare up.

Stir and combine everything.  Place back on medium heat.  Simmer for about 15 minutes.

Place mixture in blender and blend until very smooth.  Pour back into sauce pan and bring to a simmer.  Simmer again for another 10-15 minutes.

Remove from heat and pour into a glass container.  Either serve immediately or cover once cooled and store in fridge for up to a week.

Both of us really love this BBQ sauce.  We’ve had it on sandwiches, dipped fries in it, used it for shredded pork and even had it on pizza.

I’ll be making it again for sure!

Have fun guys, and remember, always play with your food! Enjoy!