### Debby's Peach Barbecue Sauce Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction to Debby’s Peach Barbecue Sauce
Debby’s peach barbecue sauce is a delightful blend of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors that perfectly complements grilled or smoked meats. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious homemade version that rivals any store-bought variety.
#### Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups chopped fresh peaches (or frozen, no sugar)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
#### Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender or regular blender (optional)
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Peaches**
- If using fresh peaches, peel them by gently boiling in water for a minute, then cooling under cold water and slipping off the skin.
- Chop the peeled peaches into small pieces.
2. **Mix Ingredients**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped peaches, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. **Cook the Sauce**
- Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the ingredients to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. This process allows the flavors to meld together.
4. **Blend (Optional)**
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Return the blended sauce back to the saucepan if using an immersion blender.
5. **Seasoning and Adjustments**
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more sugar, vinegar, or spices.
- Cook for another 5-10 minutes after adjusting flavors to allow the adjustments to meld into the sauce.
6. **Cool and Store**
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For best results, let the sauce sit in the fridge overnight to intensify the flavors.
- This homemade peach barbecue sauce can be used immediately or frozen for up to 3 months.
#### Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar (apple cider, red wine) for a unique twist.
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for a bright finish.
By following these steps, you can create a homemade peach barbecue sauce that’s both easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a marinade before grilling!