For Christmas, I try to have my oldest make a gift for everyone in our extended family. Last year, he made cinnamon ornaments- he mixed the dough, rolled it, cut out holiday shapes, baked them and threaded a ribbon through. I loved seeing how excited he was to give his gifts out, and my family adored their holiday keepsakes.
This year, we made BBQ sauce together and I let him create a name: Bryson’s Batman BBQ Sauce. We bought the ingredients together, mixed and cooked them, and used mini quilted Ball jars for packaging. The sauce was a huge hit with family and friends, and we have had requests for more!
Homemade BBQ sauce is surprisingly easy to whip up, and it tastes surprisingly better than most bottled brands. I have included the recipe we used and a few cute ideas for packaging. This is the perfect gift for family, teachers, friends, or even police officers, firemen, or any other people who positively impact your child’s life (just be sure to address appropriately…I don’t think Officer Smith would get it if you wrote- “You Spice Up My Life!”)
Bryson’s Batman BBQ Sauce (adapted from gimmesomeoven.com)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire
- 2 tsp. liquid smoke
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- add cayenne pepper to taste for spice!
Directions:
Whisk ingredients together in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until sauce has thickened a bit. Pour into jars and seal. I used Ball 4 oz. Quilted Jelly Jars– they add a little retro flair!
To decorate, cut out some Valentine-themed fabric and place on top of the lid; screw band over the fabric. Tie baker’s twine around the band and add a tag- instant adorable (and yummy) gift!
Here are some sayings:
You’re Awesome Sauce!
You Spice Up My Life!
U R Hot
To My HOT Valentine!
You’re Saucy!
You Are My BBQ-tie!
delicious!