Mustard Barbecue Sauce (Southern Carolina)

This 6-ingredient sauce is decidedly simple, really aiming to complement the flavour of the yellow mustard. It's slightly sweet from the brown sugar and honey, almost replicating that lip-smacking honey-mustard flavour, and just a touch spicy from the cayenne and black pepper. Apple cider vinegar brings the whole sauce together with acidity and zing. Pair your mustard-based sauce with pork or chicken.

2 cups yellow mustard
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup pure honey
½ cup apple cider vinegar
2-3 dashes cayenne pepper
black pepper, freshly ground

Whisk together all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium, stirring often, until sugar and honey are dissolved and mixture is just beginning to bubble, 4-5 minutes.

Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 months.

Makes 3½ cups.