Sweet Smoky Cherry Barbecue Sauce

Sweet, sweet cherries. It’s worth eating them, outside if possible, until your belly groans and your mouth is stained dark red, a pile of pits that remain a testament to the volume consumed. For those with preservation in mind, this Cherry Barbecue Sauce will bring back the memory of that flavor in any month you open a pint of it…if you can resist that long. It’s so good on early summer barbecue! And nothing says love like barbecue...if you speak the language of the grill. Surprise a dad on Father's Day with a pint or two of this sauce, and watch it bring the family together. Red sauce, full bellies, glad hearts. Thanks, cherries. Thanks, Dad.

If you are not familiar with the water bath canning method watch our water bath canning video workshop. Always make sure you are following all safety guidelines outlined by the USDA when canning anything. 

Directions

Prepare a water-bath canner and jars.
In a large pot, combine the onions and one-third of the cherries.
Dry sauté until the onions are browned and the cherries begin to leak their liquid. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook, lidded, over medium-high heat until the cherries are softened, about half an hour.

Remove the lid and continue to cook until the mixture has reduced by about half.
Remove the pot from heat. Run the mixture through a blender or food mill until smooth.

If the sauce is nice and thick, it is done. If you’d like it thicker, put it back on the stove and cook until it has thickened to the consistency of ketchup. Taste, and add more salt and pepper if necessary.

Fill the prepared jars with the sauce, leaving 1/4” headspace. Wipe the rims and secure the lids. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes.

Carefully remove the jars from the canner with your jar lifter. Place the processed jars on a kitchen towel and let cool. If all of your jars have sealed they can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Jars that have not sealed should go into the refrigerator or be enjoyed immediately.

If you are not familiar with the water bath canning method watch our water bath canning video workshop. Always make sure you are following all safety guidelines outlined by the USDA when canning anything. 

Over to You

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