As summer is winding to a close (all too quickly I might add!), we’re getting in a few small barbecues with family and friends. Steve even built a pretty sweet new grill set up for us right outside the back door. That inevitably means grilling a few chickens along with all our fresh veg.
![](https://theforbesfamilyfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/grill-set-up.jpg)
We like experimenting with a variety of flavors while grilling, but sometimes you need just a classic barbecue flavor that hits that sweet and savory profile. Hence this summer barbecue sauce was born. It’s simple and straightforward…and only took 30 minutes to pull together. While I know the flavors would probably meld together even better if I let it slowly simmer overnight or even a few hours, it’s still pretty darn good as is. And I could let it simmer while I prepared the rest of the meal and then be ready to use it!
![barbecue sauce](https://theforbesfamilyfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/BBQ-sauce-150x150.jpg)
Summer barbecue sauce
A great classic barbecue flavor with both sweet and savory notes. Paleo-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup Onion diced
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Applesauce unsweetened
- 1/2 cup Tomato paste
- 1/3 cup Maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Cacao powder
Instructions
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Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent.
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Add all other ingredients and simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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At this point it's ready to use immediately or you can pour into a jar and let it cool before refrigerating.
The barbecue sauce sounds intriguing and yummy!