Sweet-Hot Barbecue Sauce & Espresso Barbecue Sauce from Better Homes and Gardens Grilling Magazine, Spring 2010

Did you ever wake up with the plan to grill, open the drapes and see a rainy day ahead of you? I had that happen this morning, but being a true griller, I went ahead with my plans and was rewarded with a break in the drizzle so I was able to cook my chicken without getting wet (the grill is under an overhang, standing in front of it isn't).

Since I had gotten a nice package of chicken leg quarters on sale, I thought I'd go ahead and make two of the barbecue sauces from the "Hitting the Sauce" section of the BHG Grilling magazine, the Espresso Barbecue Sauce and the Sweet-Hot Barbecue Sauce.

The first was too easy and isn't even worth much of a mention here. It's simply bottled barbecue sauce, coffee and brown sugar. It tasted like bottled barbecue sauce. We honestly couldn't tell any difference.

The second sauce is much different. It's definitely a from-scratch sauce and one that takes a bit more time and preparation. Personally, I think the difference shows. The depth of flavor is much more marked and with the combination of molasses, corn syrup and honey, there's a nice texture as well.

For some reason though, this is the second recipe that's supposed to have heat to it and doesn't. The recipe calls for hot sauce, chili powder and cayenne pepper yet in such small amounts that it's not enough to shine through the sweetness. I think I'd add a bit more if I were to make it again.

In a side by side comparison, we both liked the Sweet-Hot Barbecue Sauce much more than the Espresso Barbecue Sauce, even though I used my favorite sauce for the base of the Espresso version. the Sweet-Hot is on the right in the top picture and on the left (with the brush) in the bottom one. Yes, it has whiskey in it. It's optional but I think it's a great addition. After all, everything's better with a little alcohol.

Sweet-Hot Barbecue Sauce
from Better Homes and Gardens Grilling

1 1/4 cups water
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1/2 cup mild-flavor molasses
1/2 cup dark-color corn syrup
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon whiskey or bourbon (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, tomato paste, molasses, corn syrup, vinegar, honey, whiskey (if desired), Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic salt, liquid smoke, hot pepper sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper and onion powder. Bring just to boiling; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, uncovered, about 45 minutes or until mixture reaches desired consistency, stirring frequently.

Brush the sauce on beef, pork or poultry during the last 10 minutes of grilling. If desired, reheat any remaining sauce until bubbly and serve it with grilled meat. Makes about 2 cups.

Espresso Barbecue Sauce
from Better Homes and Gardens Grilling

1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
1 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons instant espresso coffee powder or instant coffee crystals

In a medium saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, the water, brown sugar, and coffee powder.  Bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve brown sugar. Reduce heat. Boil gently, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened.

Brush sauce on beef, pork or poultry during the last 10 minutes of grilling. If desired, reheat any remaining sauce until bubbly and serve it will grilled meat. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.