Western North Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Western North Carolina Barbecue Sauce:A more traditional barbeque and grilling sauce with flavors inspired by the mountainous regions of Western North Carolina. This is a great and versatile basic recipe. I like it a little spicy, so this basic version has a little spice. Try the basic first. If you like it hotter, add more cayenne, a little sweeter add more honey. If you like a little more tang in the taste the add a touch more cider vinegar. You can really craft this one to your own preferences. Just remember to master the basic before experimenting with variations.

Western North Carolina Barbecue Sauce

• 4 tbsp Smart Balance (you can use butter or other butter substitute)
• 1 ½ cups minced onion
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Emeril Creole Seasoning
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 6oz tomato paste
• 1½ cups water
• ¾ cup cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey

Place the onions together with the Smart Balance in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until translucent, approximately four minutes. Add all the other ingredients, except the water, honey and vinegar. Cook, stirring constantly until the tomato paste turns brick in color. Add the water, vinegar and honey. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently until reduced by about a third. Remove from heat and cool. Use an immersion blender or place in batches into a blender to puree everything together.