BIG AL’S BAR-B-Q SAUCE

BIG AL’S BAR-B-Q SAUCE

“This is a Kansas City-style sauce that Alan Arthur makes in his restaurant. It is sweet and smoky with a little bite.”


2 cups ketchup
2 cups tomato sauce
1-1/4 cup brown sugar
1-1/4 cup red wine vinegar
½ cup unsulfured molasses
4 tsp. hickory-flavored liquid smoke
2 Tbsp. butter
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. onion powder
¼ tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. celery seed
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper


In a large saucepan over medium hear, mix together the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, wine vinegar, molasses, liquid smoke and butter. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, celery seed, cinnamon, cayenne, salt and pepper.

Reduce heat to low, and simmer for up to 20 minutes. For thicker sauce, simmer longer, and for thinner, less time is needed. Sauce can also be thinned using a bit of water if necessary. Brush sauce on to any kind of meat during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Yield: 48 servings.