I wanted to get this in before the end of summer.  Here in Napa, the weather has been purdy strange.  It was almost 100 degrees yesterday, and this morning we woke up to rain and thunder! But last night we had a hankerin’ for baby back ribs with BBQ sauce.  Trouble is, store bought sauces are usually loaded with corn syrup and can be overly sweet for my taste.  So, I played around with some recipes, changed and reduced the sugar, and came up with this kickass homemade version…

Sweet n Sassy BBQ Sauce – Makes about 2 cups

1-2 TB olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
12 oz. water
1/2 C ketchup (I used Annie’s organic – it’s made with agave)
1/2 C plus 2 TB apple cider vinegar
3 TB Sucanat
1 TB molasses
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dry mustard
3/4 tsp. marjoram
2-3 chipotle chiles (from can of chiles in adobo,) pureed
1 tsp. sea salt
fresh ground pepper to taste

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, sitrring often, until golden brown  – about 7 minutes.
Add all other ingredients.  Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thick.
Slather on your body ribs and let the party begin!

(Recipe for corn and beans next post...)