Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

So right about now I am swimming in tomatoes, which is a blessing of course, but also has me trying to come up with creative ways to use the summer's bounty. After canning 20 pints of salsa, 20 cups of diced tomatoes, and making numerous Caprese Salads, Tomato Soups, and Marinara Sauces, I decided to give BBQ sauce a try. The result was fantastic! My husband smokes briskets and ribs nearly all year long so we definitely use a lot of BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed tomatoes

1 cup bourbon (select a kind you like) - try Cabin Fever or Knob Creek

2/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp. naturally fermented soy sauce (or try Bragg's Amino's if you prefer)

1 1/2 tbsp. mustard

3 tsp. garlic granules

1 1/2 tbsp. onion granules

1/2 cup unrefined whole cane sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1 tsp. sea salt or Real Salt

1/4 tsp. each of cinnamon, ground cloves, and allspice

1 tsp. ground black pepper

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper or other hot pepper mix (optional, for spicier sauce)

1/2 cup organic sugar (optional, for sweeter sauce)

How To:

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Over medium heat bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and then reduce heat to low and simmer. Continue to simmer about 30 minutes to an hour until the sauce reduces and thickens. Makes about three to four cups.

Comments:

Wait to add the hot pepper and sugar (optional ingredients) until the end, after you've tasted and decided whether you want a spicier or sweeter sauce.

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