RECIPE

Zinfandel Barbecue Sauce

• Recipe by Steven Raichlen

Ingredients

1. 5 tablespoons butter
2. 4 to 6 shallots, minced (enough to make 1 cup)
3. 3 garlic cloves, minced
4. 3 cups Zinfandel
5. 1 1/2 cups ketchup
6. 1/4 cup brown sugar, or to taste
7. 1/4 cup honey, or to taste
8. 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
9. Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. Add the shallots and garlic and cook over moderate heat until just beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon. Add all but 3 tablespoons of the wine and boil over high heat until reduced to about 2/3 cup.
2. Reduce the heat and stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, honey, liquid smoke, salt and pepper. Gently simmer the sauce until thick and richly flavored, 10 to 12 minutes, adding the remaining 3 tablespoons wine after 6 minutes. Correct the seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste.