Best barbeque sauce, commercial?

[elleng]

THINKING of doing chicken, and may ask friend to pick it up at grocery store shortly.

Thanks for suggestions. I used to do it often (YEARS ago,) but I have NO memory!

[NJCher]

1. choose a regional sauce

I never thought about this, but I was reading this book (think it's called Foodie Nation), and it's all about how America became more sophisticated with food. One point the author made is that we're eventually going to end up with a regional food system, as people are getting pickier about preservatives, seasonal food, etc.

His example for this point was barbecue sauce. He said there is no such thing as a good nationally distributed barbecue sauce.

It will be pricier, but probably well worth it. Most of the less expensive sauces at the grocery store have high fructose corn syrup as their primary ingredient, so be sure to tell them to stay away from them.


Cher

[elleng]

2. Thanks, Cher, and you're probably correct.

s I'm thinking of asking my friend to pick something up off the shelf, it has to be easily available!

Should I marinate in SOMETHING???

[NJCher]

5. You probably don't have time

but chicken is always enhanced by marinating in buttermilk. Of course, you would rinse it off before cooking.

I'm sure there will be some regional sauces at your store. Tell him to take a look!


Cher

[pinto]

6. I love the range of personal tastes on BBQ sauce. Here's what I look for store bought -

A tomato base of some kind - ketchup is fine, imo.
Some acidic tang - vinegar is what I like.
Some heat - depending on the dish, runs from Dijon style mustard to a good hot sauce.
Some sweet - brown sugar, honey, molasses, etc.

Good cooking!

[elleng]

8. Thanks, pinto.

Might I make my own? I DO have ketchup at home, and vinegar, some mustard and hot sauces. Only sugar for sweet (+ peaches too!)

[fizzgig]

14. that's the route i would take

peach bbq sauce sounds great for chicken.

[pinto]

16. The peaches are a great idea.

What did you end up doing, using, etc. etc. ?

[elleng]

17. Thought they might be a good addition, pinto.

Friend found Patti Labelle bbq sauce and tho #1 ingredient is sugar, it wasn't bad. Will finish the last peach a la carte!

I got back to my baby weber after MANY years, did a nice job of burning boned/skinned thighs but they're still edible; will have leftovers. ALSO did an old standby roasted potato pieces but the potatoes had no flavor, so will trash THOSE leftovers.

Thanks for asking, and for your help!

[BainsBane]

3. I like Stubbs, regular

I don't like a lot of smoke flavor, so that one is good for me.

[elleng]

4. Thanks, BainsBane.

[pinto]

7. I don't like the "smoke flavor" in some, either.

The meat is going to be BBQ'd anyway. I look to the fuel to add that. Mesquite, oak, hickory or whatever.

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. Sweet Baby Ray's.

[elleng]

10. Thanks, greataunt.

I'm in Maryland. What's the chance my friend would find it here???

[greatauntoftriplets]

11. That I don't know.

Sorry.

[Freddie]

12. Pretty sure it's a national brand

It's everywhere here in PA. If you shop at Giant (PA-MD) they carry it. My favorite BBQ sauce too.

[DawgHouse]

19. I've purchased it in Seattle, Little Rock, and Orlando.

I'm sure it can be found everywhere.

[LaydeeBug]

21. I am in Maryland too, and Sweet baby Ray's is readily available and the only one

I will use if I am not making it myself.

[elleng]

22. Now I gotta go out and get it!

My friend found another, which was ok.

[Paper Roses]

13. Great BBQ sauce. I dilute it as I find it is a little too strong.

Add some H2O, ketchup, oil and it is great. I like a more subtle flavor. This one is great but I find I need to tone it down a little.

[azurnoir]

20. +1 good stuff lot's of varieties too

http://www.sweetbabyrays.com/Sauces.aspx

[MrMickeysMom]

15. I believe it could be Trader Joe's Kansas City style...

I swear… just get a roasted chicken from the grocer and warm some over it. You'll be a hit!

[elleng]

18. I ALWAYS get roasted chicken from the grocer, Mom;

I decided to COOK-OUT, today, after a LONG absence from the baby weber! WILL get the Trader Joe's KC style when I get back into town.
Thanks!