Recipe: Bubba's Two-Step Barbecue Sauce

BUBBA'S TWO-STEP BARBECUE SAUCE

1 medium onion, minced
4 tablespoons margarine
1 (20 to 24 ounces) bottle ketchup
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2 tablespoons dark beer (I like to use Guinness)
1 teaspoon hot sauce

Melt margarine in a medium-sized sauce pan and saut onions until transparent.

Add remaining ingredients in order, stirring constantly, and simmer for about an hour over very low flame (until thickened) over medium heat. Allow to cool and refrigerate.

*Chef's Notes: Try different sweeteners as a variation. I've found that fruit juices, honey, molasses, canned fruit, or even candy (red hots, chocolate chips, lemon drops) work great in barbecue sauce. Just crush the candy and be sure it dissolves completely. If the sauce isn't sweet enough for you, add a little sugar to balance out the tanginess of the vinegar.

Makes about one quart
From: Chef Jason Girard and Buddy Guy's Legends Restaurant in Chicago, IL.
Source: The Blues Highways Cookbook by Jason Girard