Saturday

4th of July Barbeque - It's all in the sauce!

Happy 4th of July to ALL!!!
Thanks to the men and women in uniform serving our country and maintaining our independence. Take a moment and pray for these heroes and pray for America and ask that God continues to Bless America and that America blesses God.


Well, the 4th of July is here and it is time to get the grill ready and have a good old fashioned B-B-Que. Here is my favorite Coffee Barbeque Sauce. I've tweaked this favorite recipe of Chef Michael Lomonaco, Noche Restaurant, New York, NY. Give me a shout if you try it. The flavors are rich and create a symphony of taste on your palate. The sauce is great as a marinade or as a finishing sauce for grilled chicken, pork or beef. The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. What's your favorite sauce? Ever tried coffee as an ingredient in your barbecue sauce?

Decadent Coffee Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:
1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong, dark coffee
1 cup ketchup (make sure it is organic - no high fructose corn syrup)
1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 onion, peeled and finely chopped, about 1 cup
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
3 fresh hot chili peppers, such as jalapeno, or hotter if desired, seeded (roasted
2 Tablespoons hot dry mustard mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons ground cumin
2 Tablespoons chili powder

Preparation:
Put espresso or coffee, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, onion, garlic, chili peppers, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and chili powder in a small pot, stir them together, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Lower the heat so the mixture is just simmering and let simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, let the mixture cool. Yields about 3 cups

If you prefer, you can then puree it in a blender or food processor fitted with the steel blade.

Chicken Drumsticks with Decadent Coffee Barbecue Sauce

12 chicken, drumsticks, well rinsed, patted dry
coarse salt, and freshly cracked black pepper
vegetable oil, for brushing grill

1. Heat a grill on medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Brush grill with oil.
4. Grill chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through reaching an internal temperature of 175 to 180 degrees F, brushing with the sauce.

Serve with your favorite barbeque side dishes.