Hops and Honey: Craft Beer and Local Honey BBQ Sauce for Summer Grilling

Hey there, Minnesota foodies! Today, we're whipping up something special that combines two of our state's finest offerings: craft beer and local honey. This BBQ sauce is the perfect accompaniment for all your summer grilling escapades. Whether you're marinating ribs, brushing it on chicken, or adding it as a final touch to grilled veggies, this sauce has got you covered. Let's dive in!

Ingredients

• 1 cup of your favorite Minnesota craft beer (something with hoppy notes works best)
• 1 cup local honey
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the craft beer and local honey over medium heat. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
2. Add in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and molasses. Stir well to combine.
3. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring to a clean jar or bottle. Your BBQ sauce is ready to use!

Serving Suggestions

This Hops and Honey BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a marinade for ribs or chicken before grilling or brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking to create a delicious glaze. It's also fantastic as a dipping sauce for grilled vegetables or even drizzled over burgers for an extra layer of flavor.

Enjoy your summer grilling with this uniquely Minnesotan twist! Cheers to good food and great times.