Is it unhealthy to obsess about BBQ sauce?

I've always been partial to a drop of the old BBQ sauce - its sweet, smoky, spicy, sticky and any number of other delicious 's' words.  I've never found a recipe that I really liked though...until now! The Hairy Bikers (of whom I am also rather partial) provided the basic recipe but then I've adapted it and now have a mighty fine sauce.

Now according to the Hairy Bikers, this recipe makes enough for 2 kg of ribs.  I find that I use all the spice rub but only half the sauce. It keeps beautifully in a sterilised jar in the cupboard and makes a great dip or sauce for another BBQ dish.

First off, make your spice rub:
25 g light soft brown sugar
2 tbspns Old Bay seasoning (in the UK you can get this from our friends at Amazon, otherwise use paprika)
1 tbspn salt
2 tsp cajun seasoning (I use a mix that I buy from a deli but use any that you like.  Alternatively, use 2 tsp cayenne pepper)
2 tsp mustard powder
2 tsp mexican oregano (in the UK you can get this from delis that sell the 'Cool Chile Co' products. Alternatively use regular dried oregano)

So if you're making ribs - you mix this spice rub together, reserve 3 tbspns and then use the rest to marinate the ribs.  For the sauce, you take the reserved spice rub and put it in a pan with:
200 ml ketchup
100 ml water
75 ml red wine vinegar (or cider vinegar)
150 g light soft brown sugar
3 tbspn runny honey
2 tbspn Worcestershire sauce
3 garlic cloves - I just lightly bash them and throw them in to infuse, so I can fish them out later without needing to strain the sauce.  If you really love your garlic then you could crush it and leave it in
This lot needs to get warmed through until the sugar has melted and then bring to a simmer for around 5 minutes to get it slightly thickened.

You can then brush this over ribs, chicken pieces, sausages, prawns or even steaks and grill to get them really sticky and sweet. You probably want to cook or at least par-cook things like the ribs and chicken first because otherwise the glaze will burn before the meat is cooked.

So go on, make some BBQ sauce - lots of ingredients but so quick to put together and so delicious and versatile!

Miss E xxx