This basic barbecue sauce recipe combines the tanginess of mustard and cider vinegar with the sweetness of molasses or brown sugar for a delicious sauce that will add lots of flavor to any meat.

I think that once you make your own homemade bbq sauce and see how easy it really is, you'll use bottled sauces only occasionally for convenience.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 - 8 ounce can tomato sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons molasses or brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
Combine the tomato sauce, vinegar, ketchup, water, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a small non-metallic saucepan. Bring to a boil, uncovered, over moderate heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the flavors mellow and the sauce thickens slightly.

If you are not using all the sauce within a few days, spoon it into sterilized 1 pint preserving jars. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Makes 1 2/3 cups

• Add 3/4 teaspoon chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce to ingredients, then proceed as directed.