Homemade Lemon Curd
Bright, silky, and tangy lemon curd that’s perfect for spreading on toast, filling cakes, or dolloping onto desserts. This luscious curd balances sweet and tart flavors with a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Recipe Category: Sauces, Spreads & Preserves
Smoky Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Sauce
A rich, smoky BBQ sauce infused with real Kentucky bourbon, brown sugar, and warm spices. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or elevating pulled pork and ribs.
Bold & Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce
Here’s a unique twist on a mustard-style BBQ sauce—bold, tangy, slightly sweet, and with a bit of complexity that sets it apart from traditional Carolina gold styles.
PrintBold & Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce
🟡 Bold & Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce with a Twist
There’s something magical about mustard-based BBQ sauce, it’s tangy, bold, and cuts through rich grilled flavors like nothing else. But as someone who loves experimenting with traditional recipes, I wanted to create a version that felt both familiar and surprising. That’s how this Bold & Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce with a Twist was born.
The twist? A spoonful of apple butter for subtle sweetness and a hint of spice from smoked paprika and cinnamon creating a sauce that’s layered, rich, and just a little unexpected. I love how it clings to grilled chicken or pork and adds a complex depth to even the simplest of meals.
This recipe came to life on one of those summer afternoons where grilling turns into a slow, social event. I needed something different something zippy enough for sausages, but sweet enough to pair with smoked ribs. This sauce delivered. And now it’s a staple in my fridge all season long.
Whether you’re slathering it on pulled pork or using it to liven up a backyard burger, this sauce is the little surprise that gets people asking, “What’s in this?!”
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/4 cup 1x
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp apple butter (or substitute with honey or brown sugar)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, for a warm undertone)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients. Stir well to blend.
-
Bring to a low simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
-
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—add more cayenne for heat, molasses for sweetness, or vinegar for tang.
-
Cool slightly before serving or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
🍗 Serving Suggestions:
Brush on grilled chicken or pork
Use as a dipping sauce for sausages or smoked tofu
Spread on a BBQ sandwich with pulled meat or roasted veggies
Mix into coleslaw for a flavorful twist
This isn’t your average mustard BBQ sauce, it’s a handcrafted blend of bold, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors that turns any meal into a standout. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just want to spice up your weekly dinner rotation, this sauce is the secret weapon your summer needs.
Try it this week and tag me in your saucy creations! 💛🔥
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 9
Blackberry BBQ Sauce
This Blackberry BBQ Sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and spicy. Made with fresh blackberries from my homestead, it brings a rich, tangy flavor with just the right amount of heat, ideal for grilled meats, roasted veggies, or as a dipping sauce.
Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce
Bright, garlicky, and bursting with fresh basil flavor, this classic pesto sauce is your go-to for pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, and more—ready in minutes!
Argentine Steakhouse Marinade Recipe
This is my homemade version of Essie’s legendary steak marinade—born in a North Dakota steakhouse and inspired by bold Argentine flavors. It’s rich, tangy, and full of depth—perfect for bringing out the best in your favorite cuts. After years of craving it on the road, I recreated it to keep a taste of home with me wherever I go.
PrintArgentine Steakhouse Marinade Recipe
Some recipes taste like home. This one takes me right back to the open skies of North Dakota, where every summer cookout came with the smell of something magical on the grill.
Essie’s Steak Marinade was originally born in a small-town steakhouse in my North Dakota homeland. The flavor was unmistakable—rich, tangy, savory, and deeply satisfying. Inspired by Argentine-style steak, it was the house specialty, and Essie herself (short for Esther) became something of a legend. Her marinade, with hints of garlic, vinegar, and herbs, turned every steak into an experience. Locals called it liquid gold.
But as the years went by, my life and travels took me far from that little steakhouse. I found myself craving that unmistakable flavor—but I couldn’t always get my hands on the real deal. So, I did what any homesick foodie would do: I got to work recreating it.
After plenty of trial, error, and taste tests, I came up with my own version of Essie’s Steak Marinade—one that captures the spirit of the original with a personal twist. It’s bold, balanced, and brings that nostalgic, flame-kissed flavor wherever I go.
Whether you’re grilling on the prairie or a city balcony, this marinade brings people together.
- Prep Time: 5
- Marinating Time: 2-24 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 1/3 cup 1x
- Category: Sauces
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
1/2 cup soy sauce (opt for lower sodium soy sauce)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl or mason jar. Whisk well or shake until fully blended.
- Pour over steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Grill or sear steaks to your desired doneness. Let rest a few minutes before serving for juicy, flavorful results.
Notes
Tips:
- Best for ribeye, flank, skirt, or sirloin steaks. Can be used on pork, chicken, and portabella mushrooms too.
- Reserve a few tablespoons (before marinating!) to brush on during grilling.
- Make it your own: Want it sweeter? Add a touch more brown sugar. Spicier? Toss in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This marinade is flexible and forgiving.
- Marinade magic: For tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak, marinate up to 24 hours for deep, flavorful tenderness. For premium cuts like ribeye, 2–4 hours is plenty to enhance flavor without overpowering.
- Grill pro tip: Pat your steak dry after marinating to get a great sear. You can brush a little reserved marinade on during grilling for added flavor.
- Leftover love: If you reserved some of the marinade before it touched raw meat, try drizzling it over roasted vegetables or mixing into a vinaigrette.
Storage Tip:
- Shake before each use as the oil and vinegar will naturally separate.
- Label the jar with the date if you’re prepping ahead.
- Mixture will last about 5 to 7 days in refrigerator if stored in an airtight container (like Mason jar). Since it contains vinegar, soy sauce, and lemon juice – app acidic preservative in nature – it holds up well.
💡 Do not reuse marinade that’s been in contact with raw meat unless it’s boiled first for food safety.
💙 Love this recipe? Save it, share it, and tag me when you try it! I’d be thrilled to see your version of Essy’s legendary steak marinade in action. Let’s keep the flavor—and the story—going!
Honey Cinnamon Maple Dipping Sauce
A delightful blend of honey, maple syrup, and cinnamon, this dipping sauce offers a warm, sweet flavor that’s perfect for pairing with sweet potato fries, waffles, or fresh fruit.
Blue Cheese Dressing
This rich and creamy homemade blue cheese dressing combines tangy buttermilk, smooth mayonnaise, and bold blue cheese crumbles, making it the perfect accompaniment for salads, wings, and more.
Honey Mustard Dressing
A quick and easy homemade honey mustard dressing made with yellow mustard and honey, blended with lemon juice, garlic powder, and olive oil. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce.
PrintHoney Mustard Dressing
This homemade honey mustard dressing is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, crafted with yellow mustard and honey. By combining equal parts yellow mustard and honey, and enhancing it with fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and olive oil, this dressing achieves a harmonious balance that’s both vibrant and versatile.
Whether drizzled over crisp salads, spread on sandwiches, or used as a dip for chicken tenders and fresh vegetables, this dressing brings a burst of flavor to any dish. Its simplicity and the use of common pantry ingredients make it a go-to recipe for those seeking a quick and delicious condiment.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and give it a good shake before each use to maintain its creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10
- Chill Time: 30
- Total Time: 10 minutes + chill time
- Yield: approx. 1 cup
- Category: sauces
- Method: No cook
Ingredients
Units
Scale
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together in a mixing bowl, the yellow mustard, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Store the dressing to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld
Notes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Drizzle over salads for a tangy flavor.
- Use as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, crispy-baked sweet potato fries, or vegetables.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps for added zest.
🧊 Storage:
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or stir before each use.
Want a Creamer Version?
- Incorporate mayonnaise to achieve creamy consistency. For instance, use equal parts of yellow mustard, honey and mayo (1/4 cups) and follow the original recipe.
💙Leave a comment what is your favorite twist on this popular dressing 💙
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 0
Garlic Aioli
A smooth, garlicky spread made by blending mayonnaise, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Perfect as a dip, sandwich spread, or drizzle for vegetables and seafood.