K.C. Masterpiece Original Barbecue Sauce

Even though it's now owned and produced by the Clorox Company, the taste of Original K. C. Masterpiece barbecue sauce is the same as when it was first created in good ole' Kansas City, USA. This is the sauce that steals awards from all the other popular slathers on the market. It's now even is sold in a variety of flavors. But this is the clone for the original, and you'll find it very easy to make. Just throw all of the ingredients in a saucepan, crank it up to a boil, then simmer for about an hour. Done deal. And just like the original Masterpiece, this stuff will make a work of art out of any of your grilled meats, or burgers and sandwiches; and as a dipping sauce or marinade.

Recipe Ingredient

2 cups water

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup tomato paste

1/2 cup vinegar

3 tablespoons molasses

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon liquid smoke

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over high heat and whisk until smooth.

2. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes or until mixture is thick.

3. Cool, then store in a covered container in the refrigerator overnight so that flavors can develop.

Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Tidbits

Liquid smoke is a flavoring found near the barbecue sauces and marinades. Use hickory-flavored liquid smoke if you have a choice.

Heinz 57 Steak Sauce

In the late 1800s Henry John Heinz established the slogan "57 Varieties," which you can still find printed on Heinz products even though the company now boasts over 5700 varieties in 200 countries. Today Heinz is the world's largest tomato producer, but interestingly the first product for the company that was launched in 1869 had nothing to do with tomatoes; it was grated horseradish.

It wasn't until 1876 that ketchup was added to the growing company's product line. Tomato is also an important ingredient in this tangy steak sauce. But you'll find some interesting ingredients in there as well, such as raisin puree, malt vinegar, apple juice concentrate, and mustard. And don't worry if your version doesn't come out as brown as the original. Heinz uses a little caramel coloring in its product to give it that distinctive tint. It's just for looks, though, so I've left that ingredient out of this clone recipe.

Besides, I've found that the turmeric and yellow mustard will help get this version close to the color of the real deal.

Raisin Puree Recipe

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup water
1 1/3 cup white vinegar

1 cup tomato paste

2/3 cup malt vinegar

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon yellow prepared mustard

2 teaspoons apple juice concentrate

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon turmeric

1. Make the raisin puree by combining the raisins with the water in a food processor or blender. Blend on high speed for 1 minute or until the puree is smooth. Measure 1/4 cup of this puree into a medium saucepan.

2. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk until smooth.

3. Turn heat up to medium high and bring mixture to a thorough boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1/2 hour or until thick. Let sauce cool and then refrigerate it in a covered container for at least 24 hours.

Makes 3 cups.