Homemade BBQ Sauce

I ran out of bottled BBQ sauce this week and didn't want to make a run for the store. So I googled a recipe for homemade BBQ, tweaked what I found, and this is what we made. It's the best BBQ sauce I've had in a very long time.

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 8oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire
• 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
• Dash of salt
• Dash of pepper
• Dash of liquid smoke (optional)

In a 2 quart sauce pan, heat the oil. Add the chopped onion, and sautee it until the onion is translucent and smells really yummy. Add all of the other ingredients. If you have liquid smoke around, it makes the sauce taste very good, but if you don't have any, don't worry, it is still quite delicious. Stir everything up and let the mixture simmer over medium low heat for about 15 minutes. The mixture will thicken up some, but it won't be as thick as commercial barbecue sauce. Makes about 3 cups.

Spaghetti Sauce

This is my simple and easy homemade spaghetti sauce. If I have access to fresh tomatoes for a good price, I'll use them in addition to the canned tomatoes.


1 lb ground turkey
1-28 oz can of diced tomatoes (or 2-14 oz cans)
1 small can of tomato paste
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
3/4 c. pureed squash, sweet potato, or carrot*
1 Tbs minced garlic
2 Tbs Italian seasoning



1. Brown ground turkey in a large stock pot with a little bit of olive oil


2. Add remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.


3. Allow to simmer, covered, for one hour. Stir occassionally.



This can also be done in the crockpot. Cook on low for up to 6 hours.



* Hint you can use pureed baby food as a shortcut!

For more recipes and kitchen tips, visit Tempt My Tummy Tuesday hosted by Lisa at Blessed with Grace.