Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce

My water bath canner is out, so I have been in the mood to can what is currently in season. With the latest crop of organic Walla Walla sweet onions, peppers and such, it's been a perfect time to make a big vat of sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.


Caramelizing the finely diced onions and garlic.


Using my Cuisinart processor to fine dice all the organic Poblano chili's, Serrano chili's and sweet red and orange peppers.


Sweating the moisture out of the chili's, and continuing to caramelize all the veggies, before I add seasonings and tomato puree.


Organic tomato paste and puree are added.


A slew of spices and seasonings are added to the pot. Chili powder, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, cider vinegar, honey, molasses, sea salt, fresh black pepper, hot sauce, and liquid smoke to name a few. I cut out most of the sugar and sweetened almost entirely with honey and molasses.


After mixture cooked down for a few hours and thickened, jars are packed and ready for water bath processing.


A typical Dan food styling shot and photo opportunity.


Another camera angle.


Enjoying the fruits of my labors. I love the beautiful orange and red color that permeates the bottled sauce. We'll enjoy lots of meals with these, and it will save a step or two as I'll have plenty of sauce on hand.