Barb B Q Sauce - Don Triolo's recipe

My Go-To BBQ Sauce: A Recipe for Success (and Deliciousness!)

As a busy working mom, time is a precious commodity. Weekends are for family, not slaving away in the kitchen all day. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This BBQ sauce recipe, adapted from a church festival favorite, has become a staple in our home. It's unbelievably flavorful, and best of all, it takes only a few simple ingredients and minimal time to prepare (once it's simmering, you can pretty much leave it to its own devices!).

I first encountered this recipe at our church’s annual summer barbecue. Don Triolo, a renowned local barbecue master, was in charge of the grill, and let me tell you, the aroma was intoxicating! The meat was perfectly cooked, juicy and tender, but it was the sauce that truly stole the show. It wasn't overly sweet, nor was it overwhelmingly smoky; it achieved this perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy that had everyone coming back for more. I managed to snag the recipe (after much begging!), and since then, I've adapted it to fit my own needs and preferences, tweaking it ever so slightly over the years to ensure a consistent, top-notch result.

This recipe originally made a gallon and a half of sauce – enough to coat 200 pounds of meat! Clearly, that's overkill for my family, so I've drastically reduced the quantities while maintaining the integrity of the original flavors. The result is a versatile sauce that's perfect for everything from ribs and chicken to pulled pork and even grilled vegetables. It adds a burst of deliciousness to any dish, making even the simplest meal feel like a special occasion.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. There are no exotic ingredients to hunt down, just everyday staples you likely already have in your pantry. The process itself is straightforward, requiring minimal effort and mostly hands-off cooking time. The long simmering period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a rich, complex sauce that’s far beyond anything you'd find in a bottle. You’ll truly taste the difference between homemade and store-bought.

Beyond the ease of preparation, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or a dash of brown sugar for a sweeter profile. Experiment with different types of vinegar for varying levels of tanginess. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; feel free to customize it to your liking!

I often make a double batch on the weekends, storing the extra in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This ensures I always have a supply of delicious BBQ sauce on hand, ready to elevate any weeknight meal. It's a great way to add a touch of homemade love to even the busiest of schedules. The sauce is also incredibly versatile. One weekend, I used it as a base for a smoky glaze for my baked salmon, resulting in a surprisingly delicious dish. Another time, I incorporated a spoonful into my chili for an extra layer of depth and flavor.

So, whether you're a seasoned barbecue aficionado or a kitchen novice, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a family favorite. And trust me, the compliments will be worth the minimal effort involved. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. Prepare for a culinary adventure, filled with smoky goodness and family-friendly fun.

I often find myself making this sauce for potlucks and barbecues. It's always a hit and people are always surprised to hear how easy it is to make from scratch. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Step-by-step

• Heat oil and butter.
• Sauté onions and garlic until tender.
• Add remaining ingredients, stir, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to a slow simmer and cook 2-3 hours, stirring so the sauce does not stick.