Smokey Orange & Honey BBQ Sauce

Now that we are having actual summer-type weather, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that BBQ season in the Beehive State has officially begun.  My fingers and toes are crossed that I didn't just jinx something, but I'm feeling pretty confident.  So there.

What, you might ask, is the key to a good barbecue?  Some say you have to smoke your meat (my dad), while others are true to their grills.  I'm just gonna lay it out there:  Its the sauce.  You can do whatever you want to your meat or food of choice, but if the sauce you put on it is bad, then your food is going to be bad.  There are a lot of good choices on the shelves of your local grocery store, at least that's what I thought until I took the plunge and made my own one glorious day last summer.  Sure, in a pinch I'll use that junk, but not if we're having an actual barbecue.  Heck no.  I'd like to think that my family, friends, and taste buds deserve better than that.

Here is the recipe that changed BBQ as I know it.  I know, I know, its just a sauce.  But trust me, you're gonna love it.

Smokey Orange & Honey BBQ Sauce

From Paula Deen via Foodnetwork.com

Ingredients

3/4 c. ketchup

1/4 c. Dijon

1/4 c. soy sauce

1/2 c. honey

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire

juice & zest of one orange

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 - 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a medium skillet.

Simmer 15 minutes.

Store in refrigerator up to one month.