- Two 64 ounce bottles catsup
- 1 large can tomato sauce
- 4 Tbls. olive oil
- 1 lb. brown sugar
- 2 cups honey
- 12 oz. tomato paste
- 1 medium onion (finely diced) or 2 Tbls. onion powder
- 8 cloves garlic or 1 Tbls. garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 Tbls. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbls. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
- ½ tsp. dried rosemary leaves
- 2 Tbls. Kitchen Bouquet
- 2 Tbls. mustard
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 2 Tbls. lemon juice
- 2 Tbls. liquid smoke
Begin by simmering the onions and garlic in a large pot with the olive oil until the onion is translucent. Add the catsup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and honey. Warm this mixture under low heat, stirring frequently, until all of the sugar is dissolved. Add the bay leaf and spices, the Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon stick, and Kitchen Bouquet. After this mixture begins to simmer, dissolve the mustard in the vinegar and add to the pot. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon, and add the tomato paste to thicken. Simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, until it is thickened (about 10 minutes). Finally, add the liquid smoke and remove from the heat.
Alternate ingredients:
As a variation to the basic recipe, I frequently add or substitute other ingredients to change the flavor, depending on what I have on hand. Use your own imagination in adding these options, but remember that it is better to be moderate in the quantity until you have a feel for what is flavorful to you.
- Chile powder (½ tsp. Suggested)
- Tabasco sauce (¼ tsp. Suggested for zest)
- Maple syrup (expensive, but a good substitute for sweeteners)
- Molasses (a cheap substitute for the sugar)
- Dark corn syrup (a good substitute for the honey)
- Steak sauce (substitute for the kitchen bouquet)
- Soy sauce (substitute for the Worcestershire sauce)
- Lemon pepper (adds a bit of flavor because of the MSG)
- Red or white wine (to replace some of the vinegar)
- Orange or pineapple juice (add to change the flavor)
- Cider or wine vinegar (substitute for the regular vinegar)
- Lime juice (substitute for the lemon juice)
- Suggested herbs to add: summer savory, basil, and marjoram
- Yields: 10 Quarts
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes