Birthdays & BBQs

I got to spend Saturday night with some of my favourite people and celebrate the birthday of my great friend KR in the process.
Despite being her birthday, KR played hostess and put on one of the most delicious food spreads/backyard BBQs I've laid my eyes/taste buds on.  BBQ chicken, warm potato salad, macaroni salad, fresh fruit, and of course dessert!
If I'm picking favourites, it would have to be her BBQ chicken.  Made exceptional by her homemade BBQ sauce.  Delicious.  I was tempted to eat it by the spoonful, I didn't, remember I'm classy like that.  However,  I'm now a BBQ sauce snob and will forever be leaving the store bought ones on the shelves.

Thanks KR - for your recipe, hospitality, and my 'care package.'  I always love your annual BBQ.  Is it 2013 yet?
Happy Birthday Friend!

LOVE JS.

Ultimate BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

1 slice bacon
1 bunch fresh thyme
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
2 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Wrap the bacon around the bunch of thyme and tie with kitchen twine.  Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add the thyme and cook slowly 3-4 minutes to render the bacon fat and give the sauce a nice smoky taste.  Add the onion and garlic and cook slowly without colouring for 5 minutes.  Add the remaining ingredients, give the sauce a stir, and turn the heat down to low.  Cook slowly for 20 minutes to meld the flavours.
Use sauce for both basting meat and for serving alongside @ the table.

From KR - taken from Tyler Florence