Tomato Garlic BBQ Sauce

The little one was craving pork spareribs again so I honored her request last week and made them for dinner late in the week. She actually wanted me to make them the same way as last time with the Honey Maple BBQ Sauce because she liked them so much, but then I wouldn't have a new recipe to experiment with now would I! So, then she asked if I had any more Garlic Head BBQ Sauce (which I didn't but will definitely be ordering some after I get back from vacation!), but figured I'd try to make my own kind that was similar. My version was not even close, BUT it was FANTASTIC in it's own right. It was sticky, gooey, tomato-y and garlicky all in one. In fact, I have to make this again to give to my in-laws for a bbq they're having with friends because my hubby was RAVING about it for days after. It has such a wonderful flavor you can use it on ribs, chicken or even top your hamburger with it. 

Tomato Garlic BBQ Sauce
1/2 c. Light Brown Sugar
1/4 c. Water
6oz. Hunts Tomato Paste
1 tsp. White Vinegar
1/2 c. Honey
1/3 c. Molasses
1 tsp. Salt
1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
1/8 tsp. Fresh Ground Black Pepper


Add all ingredients to a saucepan and whisk together. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Let cool. Makes 1 cup. 


Enjoy!


Shared on The Weekend Potluck 6/15/12


Shared on Recipes for My Boys Thursday's Treasures 6/21/12

Spicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Looking for a new appetizer with a lot of heat to try at your next party? Then these Spicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs made with Garlic Head BBQ Sauce are for you! 

If you remember, the kind folks at Garlic Head had sent me their regular sauce a few months ago along with this spicy version. I'm not a huge fan of spicy so I was waiting until I could experiment on a larger crowd than my immediate family. 

My girlfriend, who just turned the big 4-0, was having a big birthday bash and I offered to bring something. Fast forward to the day of the party and I was unexpectedly out most of the day so my wheels were churning as to what I had at home that I could bring...Yes, it is sad that I have a mental picture in my head of all currently stocked food items in my house. I'm telling you, I have a photographic memory when it comes to that stuff, but ask me what I did yesterday and I'm at a loss! :)

Anyway, I knew I had some string cheese and ground beef and thought bite-sized meatballs would be a quick, easy appetizer idea and I was right. It took no time to prepare at all. In fact, I made the meatballs and placed them on the tray, then refrigerated them until right before I left so that they were hot when I arrived. I actually made two batches of this recipe (approx. 80 meatballs) and the last time I looked there were 3 left, so I'm guessing they were a hit! They were especially favored amongst the male guests and everyone loved how the cheese was stuffed inside like a unexpected surprise. 

Spicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
1 lb. Ground Beef
1/2 c. Garlic Head Spicy BBQ Sauce
1/4 c. Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
3 - 2% Mozzarella String Cheese, cut into 14 slices
Parchment Paper

In a bowl, mix the beef, bbq sauce and breadcrumbs until well blended. Form a small, bite-sized meatball and place one slice of cheese into the center, forming the meat around the cheese. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes. Makes approximately 42 meatballs. 

Enjoy!

Garlic Head Mushroom & Scallion Burger with Havarti Cheese

I love having this blog and connecting with so many wonderful people on a daily basis. I recently was introduced to a company called Garlic Head that produces their own line of BBQ sauces. They asked me if I would like to try a sample and I quickly agreed...anything with the title of garlic in it has got to be good!

K and L Products is a family operated business resulting from recipes they have offered to friends, relatives and guests for 35 years. Their first product offerings were Garlic Head BBQ Sauce, which is a recipe our founder, Keith Baker, began making over 35 years ago to put on chicken for the grill. Folks have raved about it ever since, asked for more, and often remarked, “You oughtta bottle this stuff!” and they finally got around to it. They use high quality ingredients in small batches to ensure consistency in their flavor. This is not the cheapest way to produce BBQ Sauce. But then, did you want the cheapest, or the best? Being small and independent means they can offer products that are not available elsewhere. We can decide on what ingredients to include and we control our quality with personal care and involvement.

I was so excited when it came in the mail last week that I had to open it right away and take a taste..right there, with a spoon. Their barbecue sauce was AMAZING! It's thick, like a paste, not thin like most sauces you get. It was garlicky but not overpowering (at least not for me!) and it didn't have that smokey flavor most sauces have(which was even better as I'm not a big fan of the typical bbq smokey flavor).  Even though I only made a burger with it so far, I couldn't wait to share it with you and I'm looking forward to experimenting with it some more. They currently sell two types: Gold and Spicy. 

Garlic Head Mushroom & Scallion Burger with Havarti Cheese
1 lb. Ground Beef
10 Mushrooms, sliced
3 Scallions, chopped
1 tsp. Butter
1/2 c. Garlic Head Gold Barbecue Sauce
4 Slices Havarti Cheese
4 Hard Rolls


In a small saute pan, melt butter and add mushrooms and scallions. Saute until the mushrooms have softened. Add the mushroom mixture to a bowl, then add the ground beef and barbecue sauce. Mix well until well blended. Form four patties and grill to desired doneness. Just before the meat is finished, add a slice of cheese until melted. Place on a hard roll, add extra barbecue sauce to the bread and any toppings you wish. Serves 4. 


Thank you Garlic Head and I can't wait to experiment some more to see what I can come up with! If anyone is interested in ordering online, click HERE to visit their website. 

Enjoy!

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