Master Class Barbecue Sauce

This is champion barbecue master Paul Kirk's terrific barbecue sauce recipe. Versatile and easy to make, any one of the ingredients here can be altered or omitted to give this sauce a different flavor profile altogether. Just remember Kirk's words of wisdom, "The key to a good sauce is the balance of its flavors. For every sour note, add a sweet one; for every hot flavor, add something mild."

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 teaspoons dried sage leaves, crumbled
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup clover honey
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 (32-ounce) bottle of ketchup

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a nonreactive saucepan. Blend in the vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Stir in the ketchup, being careful that the mixture doesn't pop and splatter. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste.
3. Use the sauce warm or chilled. It will keep for several weeks in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.

Makes 6 cups.