Spice Rubs and Homemade BBQ Sauces

For Father's Day, I really wanted to do something special for my dad. He's a great guy who's always helping other people. He's also a great cook and I learned a lot of my recipes and cooking techniques (or lack-thereof!) from him. Whenever I am out of dinner ideas or want to test out a new pie recipe, I know I can always count on Dad. Plus, I love that he likes to experiment with food! So for Father's Day, I decided to make him some spice rubs and homemade bbq sauces that he can try. Spice Rubs

All-Purpose Spice Rub

makes 1 1/4 cups

(Adapted from Everyday Food)

1/3 C. coarse sea salt
1/4 C. packed brown sugar

1/4 C. paprika

2 Tbs. freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbs. dried oregano
2 Tbs. dried thyme

1 Tbs. cayenne pepper

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Use a fork or your fingers to break up any brown sugar lumps. Store in an air-tight container up to 6 months.

Lisa's Creole Seasoning

makes 2/3 cup

2 1/2 Tbs. smoked paprika

2 1/2 Tbs. coarse sea salt

2 Tbs. garlic powder

1 Tbs. freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbs. onion powder

1 Tbs. cayenne pepper

1 Tbs. dried oregano

1 Tbs. dried thyme

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Store in an air-tight container up to 6 months

Sweet 'N Spicy Paprika Rub

(Adapted from Everyday Food)
4 tsp. paprika

3 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. packed brown sugar

3 tsp. coarse sea salt

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Store in an air-tight container up to 6 months

Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce

1 C. ketchup

1/4 C. real maple syrup

1/4 C. packed dark brown sugar

2 Tbs. spicy brown mustard

1 to 3 chipotles in adobo, chopped

3 Tbs. adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers)

In a small saucepan, whisk together all ingredients. Summer, whisking occasionally until sauce is reduced and thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Down Home BBQ Sauce

2 Tbs. vegetable oil

3/4 C. onion, finely chopped

2 Tbs. garlic, pressed or minced

4 C. ketchup

1/2 C. plus 2 Tbs. packed brown sugar

1/2 C. cider vinegar

1/4 C. Worcestershire sauce

3 Tbs. hot sauce

2 Tbs. spicy brown mustard

2 Tbs. Creole Seasoning

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onions are softened, about 4 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Rib Sauce

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

coarse sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 C. ketchup

1 C. beef broth

3/4 C. cider vinegar

1/4 C. plus 2 Tbs. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. celery salt

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 40 minutes.

BBQ Sauces