Homemade BBQ Sauce

I really should change my blog name to, Wannabe Kitchen Cafe, because I love her blog and almost cook from it exclusively. This is another amazing recipe. It was my first attempt at homemade BBQ sauce, and I think it is my last, this was so so so good! Really, it was amazing and easy to do. I do not know if I will ever buy BBQ sauce again, even my beloved, Sweet Baby Rays. We put this on our pulled pork sandwiches, which was phenomenal, but it can be used on whatever calls for BBQ sauce. make it, you will love it too, I am sure of it.

Makes about 7 cups of barbecue sauce

2 cups ketchup
2 cups tomato sauce
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 1/4 cups red wine vinegar
1/2 cups unsulphured molasses
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
4 teaspoons hickory flavored liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, mix together all the wet ingredients and then add the seasonings. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it simmers (and then as it cools). I try to plan ahead and simmer for at least an hour. Use the sauce to brush onto meats the last ten minutes of grilling or for any other recipe where barbecue sauce is used.

Once cooled, the sauce can be frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator and use as needed.