Getting the House ready & Homemade BBQ sauce

I am so excited I can hardly contain myself, tomorrow is the big day.  My cousin will be here with us for a week, it was a last minute development, but I would not have it any other way.

We had so much fun growing up together, and it has been years since the last time we saw each other, Ian just turned one.

I have spend the day, getting the house ready, and taking breaks to play with the kids.  I even had times to make this most amazing homemade BBQ sauce in the world. [recipe will follow]

I am so giddy, I can hardly contain my excitement.

Without further a due, BBQ sauce.

Ina Garten’s Barbecue Sauce 

From The Smitten Kitchen blog.

Makes 6 cups

1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 large onion)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup tomato paste (10 ounces)
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup honey
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

In a large saucepan on low heat, saute the onions and garlic with the vegetable oil for 10 to 15 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not browned. Add the rest of the ingredients. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes. Use immediately or store in the fridge.

Do ahead: This sauce freezes excellently, for months at at time.

Happy Saturday, now go make some BBQ sauce.