Now that you have that beautiful fence and patio – and maybe even a backyard fire pit—it’s time to get out there and enjoy it. Invite a few friends, break out the sodas and/or adult beverages, and have a cookout. At Buzz Custom Fence, we think everything tastes better cooked outside and drowned in barbecue sauce. Whether a steak or a lowly potato, barbecue enhances any meal. Heck, we’ve even been known to fire up the grill for breakfast!
Regional Differences
We don’t want to step on any toes here. We know there are regional differences, and people can be very assertive about their barbecue preferences. For example, here in Texas we favor mesquite-grilled beef brisket. But folks in North Carolina think it’s not barbecue without a gallon of vinegar, and the good citizens of Kansas City dry-rub their ribs. In Memphis, they like their barbecue sweet, tomato-based, and stuffed in a sandwich. As our wise ancestors said, “Don’t knock it till you try it.”
Simple Barbecue Sauce Recipe
This one is easy to make and goes with everything. Whether you’re barbecuing beef, pork, vegetables or tofu for your hippie sister-in-law, this simple sauce will make it better. Courtesy of the Chowhound website.
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 cup water
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until ingredients are completely incorporated. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer until flavors have melded and sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. If not using right away, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Want to try Kansas City style? Try this dry rub from the Epicurious website:
Basic Barbecue Rub
-
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sweet paprika
- 3 tablespoons black pepper
- 3 tablespoons coarse salt
- 1 tablespoon hickory-smoked salt or more coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preparation
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to mix. (Actually, your hands work better for mixing than a spoon or whisk does. Use your fingers to break up any lump of brown sugar.) Store the rub in an airtight jar away from heat or light; it will keep for at least 6 months.
Barbecue and the Benefits of a Fence
Once you try these recipes, you’re going to realize yet another benefit of having a good fence – keeping out barbecue trespassers! One whiff of what you’re grilling, and family, neighbors and friends claiming to be long-lost relatives will swarm your doorstep. If you need a stronger fence for barbecue season, give your friends at Buzz a holler today.
