I am sure there are those of you out there that have suffered worse than a Philadelphia sports fan. Though I can’t believe there are that many of you!
Prior to the Phillies winning the World Series title last season it had been 25 years or 100 seasons since one of the city’s 4 major sports teams had won a championship. Trust me that is a lot of money spent on tickets and a lot of sad season ending tailgating toasts.
So this evening will be a new tailgating adventure for this fan. My friends and I will be opening an MLB tailgating season as a champion. As a believer in superstition, I have decided to help the home team begin their repeat request (or at least winning another title before another 25 years hits) with the same opening day tailgate menu as last season.
It’s an evening game and we still haven’t quite reached the warm weather of spring so we need something to warm the tailgating body…Bourbon BBQ Chicken and Ribs.
Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe (from the kitchen of Patrick Johnson):
- 2 cups ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown mustard
- 2 shots of bourbon
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1 dash hot sauce
- 1 dash liquid smoke
- In a sauce pan, saute garlic and onions in olive oil until golden
- Have a shot of bourbon
- Add remaining bourbon, ketchup, mustard, molasses and brown sugar over low heat
- Heat until bubbling, stirring occasionally
- Stir in remaining ingredients and remove from heat
Can be used as a dipping sauce or be brushed on the meat near the end of grilling.
Enjoy Opening Day everyone!!!!