Let’s get ready for Labor Day.  Labor Day is the first Monday in September.  Labor Day was created to celebrate economic accomplishment and achievements of workers. One of the ways I celebrate this paid vacation day is with a backyard barbecue.

Tomato Paste BBQ Sauce

1 cup red onions, 1/4 cup red bell pepper, 1 tablespoon jalapeno pepper, 4 garlic cloves, 2 large firm tomatoes, 1 (4-ounce can) tomato paste, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup butter, 3 teaspoons spicy ground mustard, 1/4 cup molasses, 2 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika,  1 teaspoon dried cumin, 1 (10-ounce pkg.) onion soup, 2 bay leaves, 1 quart beef broth, 1 cup cola, 1/3 cup whiskey, 2 orange cut in half and seeded, 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 cup pineapple juice

Get out the food processor, add the onions, bell pepper, jalapenos, garlic and tomatoes, process. Get out a heavy pot, add the oil, butter, and vegetables. Saute for about 5 minutes.  Stir constantly to ensure it doesn’t stick or burn.  Add the tomato paste, molasses, chili powder, cumin, onion soup, and paprika.  Cook another 10 minutes.  Pour into a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients mix well.  Set temperature to low, cook covered for 6 hours.  Remove lid turn up the heat and cook another for 2 hours. Remove bay leaves and serve.

Everyone has a favorite homemade BBQ sauce; please share yours.  I am looking forward to trying some new BBQ sauces.