Let's Get Fired Up
Hey Sar-
Finding a wonderful recipe is like finding your husband/mate for life. You know, when you encounter something so great, such a perfect fit for you, you know there's no turning back - that you can easily commit yourself to that one and only flavor for the rest of your life, and you know in a profound way that you'll never get tired of it?
That's how I feel about this BBQ sauce. Once I tasted it, I knew I'd found my BBQ sauce for life - that I was off the market for any other recipes that may come my way. If it wanted to put a ring on my finger and ask me to never sample another - store-bought, homemade, small-batch signature, whatever - I'd just smile dreamily and say, "I do."
The good news is that, unlike husbands, recipes can be shared. So let this BBQ sauce into your life -- maybe spend an intimate dinner together, let it roll around on your tongue, then raise a glass, give thanks to the BBQ gods, and toast your future together.
HALI'IMAILE BARBECUE SAUCE
2 T. butter
2 onions, chopped
3 C. ketchup
1 1/2 C. red chile sauce
1/2 C. cider vinegar
1/2 C. firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 C. prepared mustard
1/3 C. dark molasses
2 t. cayenne pepper (go easy on this if you want children under the age of 14 to consume)
1/3 C. Worcestershire sauce
2 t. liquid smoke
juice of 1/2 lemon, lime and orange
salt and pepper
In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the onions and saute for 5-8 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Add all the remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered (use a splatter screen) for 2 hours or until the sauce is thick and reddish brown.
Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to one month.
*Sorry about the photo - but the remains of a 4-yr-old's rib dinner was the best I could do here.
**Note: hat tip to Randy J. who gave me the recipe. I googled the name and it looks like it may come from a restaurant in Hawaii? I'll try to get the back story and share it with you.