So Good BBQ Sauce

Summer and BBQ sauce just seem to go hand in hand — especially when it is simple, satisfying and delicious!

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As Plato said, necessity is the mother of invention — and it’s kind of the core tenet of my philosophy on cooking. We don’t need to compromise quality or flavor simply because something is easy to make. Recently when a BBQ sauce we frequently used wasn’t available — we invented our own take on it (and of course made it better)!

We’ve combined tanginess with the perfect amount of spicey heat. This can be glazed over all your yummy veggies, tofu steaks or toss it with cauliflower crumbles for tacos.

This is the BBQ sauce we are currently using for ours at the café (pictured above) — and you might be surprised by some of the secret ingredients.

*You’ll need a blender

Makes about 3 cups

Ingredients:

• 10-12 oz tomato paste
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 Tbsp black strap molasses
• 1 Tbsp agave
• 3/4 cup coffee
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 Tbsp tamari
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in blender
2. Store in glass jar
3. Keep in the fridge

As I blend the ingredients, I taste as I go along.

Consider if it needs more tang. If so, add apple cider vinegar.

If it needs a little heat, add crushed red pepper.

If it needs more salt, add Tamari.

If you like it sweet, add more of your ‘sugar’ of choice.

Coffee adds a certain depth I like. I always add a bit more.

Find your perfect proportions by taste testing.

And then find more favorite foods to slather this sauce on!

— Lea Haas, Owner, The Garden Cafe Woodstock