Best Barbecue Sauce Ever

I found this recipe online and tweaked it to my liking. (Actually, I kind of ripped it apart and changed everything, but I will never admit to that.)

Try to find ketchup that doesn't contain High Fructose Corn Syrup. Locally, Stop & Shop's Organics Nature's Promise Ketchup is a good choice. You can use sugar in this recipe, but I prefer to use Splenda. Even if you do use sugar, the sugar and salt content is much lower than commercially store bought barbecue sauces.

The best part about this recipe is that it doesn't require cooking. You can mix up a batch of great tasting barbecue sauce quicker than you could run to the store and back. Tweak it to your liking and make it your own!

This recipe makes approximately 2 1/4 cups barbecue sauce.

1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup Splenda
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon ground red pepper
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Mix it all together using a wire whisk. Taste. Add additional seasoning if you want to. Maybe you like more of a chili powder taste, or garlic taste, or more smokey flavor. It is very good as is. But don't be afraid to play with the recipe. Use brown sugar in place of the sugar. Add a little honey if you like it sweeter. Use regular vinegar if you don't have any apple cider vinegar. Be sure to write down what you changed so you will remember next time you make this.

Recipe can be doubled. I prefer to make it in small batches. I even cut this recipe in half when I make it because it makes enough for several barbecues for me and my husband. Happy barbecue!