Summer is a time for you to get sweaty, but your food to get saucy. Chances are, you have a whole refrigerator door of condiments. A mustard too spicy, another too sweet. A mayonnaise that you love to mix in with a tangy barbecue. An intriguing sauce that you bought but never really found the right thing to use it with.
Instead of shopping for a miracle sauce, take some time to customize a special condiment or sauce just for your own taste buds.
Learning a few staples will have you pouring a pinch of this and a spoon of that to top on all your favorite dishes, with homemade flavors.
You will be surprised to note that many can be made quickly with items you already have, and will result with more flavor but less added ingredients.
Be set with some glass jars from items you’ve already used, or some fresh Mason jars.
Mayo
Once you have your mayo down, you can add in tweaks like relish, vinegar and ketchup for some tang!
1 large egg
1/2 Tbsp. mustard
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. oil neutral flavored
In a small food processor or with a hand mixer, add egg, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and salt and process for 30 seconds. Slowly start adding the oil, letting the mayo emulsify. Add any salt or lemon juice to taste.
Ketchup
Here is a fast recipe, but if you have a bumper crop of tomatoes, there are plenty of fun canning recipes as well. Add some Cayenne pepper or horseradish for a kick!
6 oz. tomato paste
1/2 c. white vinegar
1/2 c. honey
1/4 c. water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
Mix all ingredients and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Store in the refrigerator.
Barbeque Sauce
There are so many ways to create a twist on Barbeque Sauce! Add more vinegar for a thinner sauce, more cayenne for some spice, or add in some honey for sweetness.
1 c. ketchup
1/2 c. white vinegar
1/4 c. brown sugar packed
2 Tbsp. yellow mustard
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
In a medium saucepan, whisk together all ingredients. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer, stirring often. Simmer for 6-8 minutes until thickened, then remove from the heat. Store in the refrigerator.
Mustard
Another staple to make to your liking!
1/2 c. yellow mustard seed powder dry ground
1/2 c. water or beer of your choice
1/3 c. apple cider vinegar
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. turmeric
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. sweet paprika ground
Whisk all ingredients in a small saucepan until smooth. Bring to a slow boil over medium to high heat. Boil for 8 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning. Pour into jars and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before using.
Honey Mustard
A favorite dip for all kinds of summer treats!
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. lemon juice, or white distilled vinegar
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Combine all ingredients together with whisk or mixer. Store in refrigerator.