Vanilla...it's not just for sweets!

This easy to make BBQ sauce is perfectly flavored with sweet vanilla and a sassy shot of bourbon. Make it in advance so you always have it in the fridge.

INGREDIENTS

-2 cups ketchup
-1 cup dark brown sugar
-1 sassy shot of bourbon
-1/4 cup cider vinegar
-1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-1 tbsp molasses
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1/2 tsp salt [optional]
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1 tsp onion powder
-1/4 tsp thyme
-1/4 tsp crushed black pepper
-1/2 tsp spicy brown mustard
-1/4 tsp hot peppers [adjust to taste]

Instructions:

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk ingredients.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until thick, about 45 minutes. Let cool and store refrigerated in an airtight container.

You can use vanilla sugar instead of brown sugar and whiskey or rum instead of bourbon.  Cranberry or apple juices are good substitutes for the alcohols. Delicious on ribs, beef, veggie kabobs, or as a dipping sauce for chicken strips or wings.

☆For a Maple Bourbon flavor, replace 1 cup brown sugar with: 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup maple syrup for a unique maple bourbon vanilla flavor.

A big thank you to Starlette for sharing her recipe!