Smoky Balsamic BBQ Sauce

May 5, 2013

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Author Notes: My sauce is from the heart; 12 years ago I started it from scratch, working like a mad scientist, tinkering for weeks to get the balsamic flavor profile I was after. Fast forward a few years later…my mouth dropped open while watching Michael Chiarello make a sauce using similar ingredients, all the while stating how these flavors must run in his Italian blood; and I thought, it must be true!

This recipe is always a crowd pleaser however it is used - for pulled pork, ribs, dipping or my favorite for grilled pizza.
—lapadia

Makes: 2 cups, approx.

1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup brown sugar (I sometimes use honey or agave)
2 teaspoons granulated onion powder
3 tablespoons dark balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons molasses
1-1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/8 teaspoon, a pinch, sea salt
1/8 teaspoon, a pinch, ground allspice
15 oz. can tomato sauce
Optional – Tabasco to taste

In a sauce pan melt the butter, browning it a bit. Add the sugar, onion powder, vinegar, molasses, liquid smoke, salt and allspice. Heat ingredients until they start to bubble, stir in tomato sauce and simmer, covered, for an hour. Stir in Tabasco sauce to taste, optional.