Basic Barbecue Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/4 cups ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/3 cup cider vinegar

Melt the butter in a saucepan over moderate heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
Yields about 2 1/4 cups


Smoky Barbecue Dry Rub

2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chile powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine the paprika, salt, sugar, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, chile powder and cayenne pepper in a small bowl and mix well with a small whisk.

Yields 3 tablespoons, enough for Grilled Beer Can Chicken