lunch-outings during the work day

One of the things that sets great barbecue apart is the delicious sauce. Most barbecue restaurants have their own sauce recipes that they guard closely, but that doesn't mean you can't make something just as tasty in your own kitchen. Here are four different restaurant-style barbecue sauces that are great for slathering on chicken, pork, beef, or just about anything else you toss on the grill.

Carolina Barbecue Sauce

In the Carolinas, barbecue sauce is typically mustard-based with a hint of spice. This recipe is simple, but it explodes with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Stir together, and then let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. This gives the sugar time to dissolve. Stir again before using as desired.

KC Sweet Sauce

Kansas City-style barbecue sauce is the type most people think of when they think of traditional barbecue. It's thick, sticky, and tomato based with more sweetness than spice and just a hint of vinegar.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes or until the mixture begins to simmer and the sugar is fully dissolved.

Florida-Style Sauce

Made with plenty of vinegar and fresh mango, this barbecue sauce gives you a taste of the tropics. You can add more chipotle pepper if you like things hotter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 cup fresh mango, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor, and process until smooth. Transfer to a saucepan, and bring to a simmer to dissolve the sugars. Use as desired.

Big Texas Sauce

In Texas, barbecue is all about the spice. This sauce is made with fresh ingredients for a really authentic flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 small ancho chili pepper, seeds removed
• 1/4 cup onion, minced
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, minced
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor, and process until smooth. Use as desired.

For more information or ideas, contact companies like Jessie Rae's BBQ.