Everyone knows Smith Mountain Lake residents love their grills and barbeque pits, and nothing spices up a juicy burger or sizzlin’ steak better than a zesty barbecue sauce – something with that perfect mix of spice, salt, and sweet to really bring out the flavors of your latest culinary masterpiece. If you’re a real “do-it-yourselfer”, then making your own barbecue sauce may be right up your alley. Of course, experimenting is the name of the game when it comes to cooking, but for starters try this delicious recipe:
1 cup strong black coffee
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 cup catsup
½ cup cider vinegar
3 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. salt
2 cups chopped onion
¼ cup minced hot chili peppers (Serrano, Jalapeno, etc.)
6 cloves garlic, minced
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan; simmer for 25 minutes. Press through a food mill or puree in a food processor or blender. For a thicker sauce, return to the saucepan and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Refrigerate between uses. Makes about 1 quart.