by Cherise James

Created on: December 07, 2011

Homemade food items bring a sense of warmth and pleasure to gift giving that nothing else can capture. When you hand someone a beautiful jar of barbeque sauce, they will be thrilled, and you will feel theglow of accomplishment. Plums make a rich, sweet, delectable sauce that is truly unique. Let them know this sauce is perfect on chicken and ribs, and it makes a great dipping sauce too.

When making this sauce, don't be too worried about removing the plum pits. Some will remove easily, and some will stick like mad. If they stick, just toss them in the pot; they will cook loose and can be fished out before the pureeing stage.

 4-ALARM PLUM BBQ SAUCE

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium sweet onion, coarsely chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped or pressed

1 pound fresh jalapenos, coarsely chopped (seeds & ribs included)

4 pounds Italian prune plums, quartered and pitted

3 ½ cups sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups cider vinegar

1 tablespoon ground mustard

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon liquid smoke

In a large non-reactive pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and peppers, saute until onion is translucent and peppers are soft. Add chopped plums, and continue cooking, stirring often, until plums are collapsing, about 20 minutes. Fish out any pits still in the mix, and allow to cool until lukewarm. 

Put mixture in a food mill and process to remove skins (or puree in blender). 

Return sauce to pot, add the rest of the ingredients. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn heat to low. Set two heavy skewers or chopsticks across the top of the pot, and set the lid on top (this allows plenty of moisture to escape, but minimizes splatters). Continue cooking for an hour to an hour and a half, until reduced by a third. Stir regularly, but use caution and a long-handled utensil as splattering and popping is likely. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. 

Ladle hot sauce into hot jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Top with hot lids and rings. Process for 15 minutes in a boiling-water bath. Remove immediately and cool completely. Label jars with attractive stickers, and you are ready to present your own homemade, delicious barbeque sauce as a highly welcome gift!

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