It’s hard to find a dad who does not like to barbecue—with all that fire and smoke and the smell of savory meat grilling. . . yum! This is a fantastic barbecue sauce for pork ribs and chicken, and of one of my favorites: pulled pork sandwiches.

So if you are wondering what to give your dad/husband/grandfather for Father’s Day, here is a great recipe that Greg and the entire family enjoyed. Even the kids (or grandkids) can get involved in making this delicious homemade gift.
One caution: this sauce can be a touch spicy for some of you, so you can limit the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper for a milder version.

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Emeril’s Essence seasoning (recipe follows)
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar

Directions:

  1. In a medium nonreactive saucepan, set over medium-high heat. Add the butter and, when melted, add the onions. Cook until they are very soft, being careful to not brown them. Add the garlic, paprika, Essence, ground mustard, salt, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently for 2 minutes or until the tomato paste begins to brown. Add the water, cider vinegar, and dark brown sugar. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have come together, about 15–20 minutes.
  2. Set aside to cool before using. The sauce should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight, nonreactive container for up to a week.

Yields about 3 cups of sauce.

Emeril’s Essence Seasoning

  • 2 1/2 tablesoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine ingredients thoroughly.

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