Barbeque Sauce (Texas Ketchup)

This rendition of a classic Texas-Style Barbecue Sauce delivers a punch of warm spice and tang, but still allows the pure smoked flavour of the meat to shine. This sauce is slightly spicy and ketchup-forward, with lots of umami from the Worcestershire sauce. The tang of the apple cider combined with the Worcestershire balances out the sweetness from ketchup and brown sugar. The note of cumin adds extra complexity to this sauce, bringing a touch of spice that you can't quite place your finger on. For a true Texas barbecue experience, stir in 1 cup of beef drippings to this sauce just before serving - this will really amp up that rich, smoky, succulent flavour. This sauce is meant to pair with Texas delicacies like brisket, sausage and ribs.

1½ cups ketchup
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

Whisk together all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until ingredients are combined and sauce is just starting to simmer, 2-3 minutes.

Cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Makes 2 cups.