BBQ Sauces from scratch

[Sandman...]

With so many fantastic bottled sauces on the market, only idiots continue to do them laboriously from scratch.
Well ... I am happy to be called an idiot.
Yes those bottled sauces are better than ever but there is something special about doing it all from scratch.
Without question, the VERY best sauce I ever tasted was in the hills of Tennessee and it was made by my friend and neighbor Roger Estes. He never gave up a single ingredient but he said that there were lots of them. It tasted the same every time and he worked behind closed doors all day to do it and he never gave up even one ingredient. He smugly sent me packing back to Canada with that status unchanged.
I worked for years trying to duplicate that taste and I almost got it.
It is all about the remarkable layering of flavors.
Formulas starting in the T's (for Tennessee) began back in 1994.
The C - formulas ( for Canada ) began in 1996.
This one is worth trying and it took me years to develop.
Just ... if you try this, be real sneaky about it.
It will make friends and family mental, and they will love this taste sensation.

FORMULA C-8

1 1/2 C ketchup
1/2 C bottled french salad dressing
2 x 1/4 c Durkees / Franks Hot sauce
1/4 c lemon juice
1/4 c worchestershire
1 tbsp liq. smoke
1 tbsp garlic pdr
1 tbsp pepper
1 tbsp chili pdr
1 tbsp onion pdr
2 x 1/4 c cider vinegar
1/4 c black coffee
1/4 c prepared yellow mustard
1/4 c molases
1 tbsp cajun spice ( Zatarains preferred )
2 tbsp paprika
4 crushed dry chili's ( cayenes preferred )
3 lg cloves garlic - minced

Combine the whole sheebang in a heavy bottomed stock pot
except for 1/4 c each of Durkee's and cider vinegar.
Reduce on low for 2hrs, stirring every 15 min.
1/2 hr before it's done, add reserved 1/4 c Durkees
At the very end, add reserved 1/4 c cider vinegar.
Use as you would any sauce and be prepared to love this

[Sandman...]

NOW... everyone, please post your favorites.
It's OK, it's almost an anonymous thing so you won't feel guily about giving it up.
I gave up the result of years of kitchen alchemy LOL and I cannot wait to try yours.
I love BBQ suaces and I would love to try other folks favorites.
I am salivating already!!!

[Kitchen Witch]

Sandman - I am an idiot as well!!! There is nothing like HOMEMADE!!

[Sandman...]

When we were passing through West Virginia, we stopped at place called Maurices and experienced our first mustard based BBQ sauce and it was soooo good.
We later got a recipe from Chef Jack McDavid ( a fine Suthun' Boy) on FoodTV.

This is simple and delicious.

1/2 c cider vinegar
1/2 c minced onion
3 minced Jalapeno's
1 c prepared cheap yellow mustard
1 c good deli mustard
1 c dark corn syrup
1 oz molases
salt to taste
ground cayenne to taste


Combine all ingredients in a pot, cover and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 - 10 min
Cook uncovered on low until onions are tender and sauce thickens,
Stir often

Use and serve as you would a standard tomato based sauce

[UAL98FA]

it is now a staple in the homes of the friends I chose to share this with! THANK YOU and I did thank the The Lord!::

[Sandman...]

Originally Posted by UAL98FA

it is now a staple in the homes of the friends I chose to share this with! THANK YOU and I did thank the The Lord!::

Hi there UAL98FA!
You are very welcome
Pleased to meet you.
Which one did you try?

[loopie]

Hi...found this thread/forum via a google search.
I'm interested in trying the Formula-C8 recipe, thx for listing it.
(I will only use 1/2 the hot sauce tho or maybe even eliminate it all together (I REALLY dislike hot sauce like Tobasco/Franks)

My question is about the 1/4 black coffee....prepared liquid or the dry grounds?
Thx

[CooknGranny]

In place of Tobasco I like to replace it with smoked chipotle chili that I have ground in the blender to a paste. What a wonderful flavor it adds!