It is a rare thing that I would make a bbq sauce using local, short-season Tennessee strawberries for a recipe such as this, really it is a rare thing for me to make any bbq sauce….. But, truthfully I bought too many strawberries from the Farmers Market…if that is possible…and a pint or two got over-ripe before we realized it. Shame on me…quickly I forgave myself and whipped up a batch of sauce for slathering on ribs or chicken, pork chops or wings in celebration of Memorial Day weekend. This holiday is the first yes-we-are vaccinated and yes-we-can be together to celebrate and it seems important to make some classic food for summer.

I must admit that the recipe for this bbq sauce is more of a add-and-taste-adjust-add-and-taste until you have it how you like your bbq sauce to be. I will give you the basics and the rest really will be up to you. It’s hard to go wrong as long as you tweak your way to the result you prefer. As you probably know, bbq sauces are as varied as each person who makes one, and no two homemade sauces are ever alike.

This Strawberry BBQ Sauce has all the right stuff…it is not cloyingly sweet, it is tangy with vinegar and lemon juice and spicy with hot sauces. Everything cooked down slowly to allow the flavors of the ingredients to meld. Once you toss all the ingredients in the pot to cook…your work it done…just let it simmer.

Serve with a simple coleslaw, extra sauce on the side…. whatever are your favorite sides….and a cold beer of course!

Please have a safe and cozy Memorial Day Weekend.

Ingredients:

• 3 pints “almost-too-ripe” Strawberries, capped and pureed in a blender or processor
• 1/2 cup fruit vinegar such as apple, or any other
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• zest of one lemon
• juice of one lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 3 tablespoons chipotle hot sauce
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients to a non-reactive saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low to simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir often, taste sauce, adjust and continue cooking. When sauce has thickened, remove from heat, let cool and put in glass jars with lids. Chill until ready to use.

Other ideas:

If you like a hotter sauce, then add some chopped hot peppers, crushed dried red peppers, or a wee bit of habanero salsa.

If you like it sweeter and thicker add more brown sugar or honey…maybe some molasses.

A splash of balsamic or rice wine vinegar might be something you would like. Or some ketchup?

Make it how you and your family like it…just start out with some very ripe, local berries from wherever you live.

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