Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

-Mix everything together and store in an airtight container.
For taco meat
-Add some seasoning to browned ground beef, after the grease has been drained. Add the quantity desired to taste. Add water to achieve desired consistency

Tropical Salsa

1 mango-peeled, seeded, & cubed
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest
salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients. Salsa will have a more vivid taste if refridgerated for a couple of hours before serving.

BBQ Rub

1/4 cup kosher salt
1/8 cup paprika
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup turbando sugar
2 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds

Mix all ingredients well and store in an airtight container. Sprinkle on chicken, pork, or beef.
Makes 3/4 cup

Smoky Ribs BBQ Basting Sauce

1/3 cup olive oil
1/8 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons steak sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
1/3 cup falt beer
1/8 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon worchestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic

Combine all ingredients and use for basting ribs at least once every half hour while smoking.
-OR-
Combine all ingredients and use on ribs during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling them. This will carmelize as it finishes on the grill. Use as a dipping sauce for those that enjoy extra sauce.

North Carolina Style BBQ Sauce

1/3 cup white vinegar
2/3 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon pepper

-In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients & bring to a boil
-Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until flavors are blended

Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup tomato sauce
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

-In a large sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently
-Stir in the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, stirring occasionally

Texas Style BBQ Sauce

1 tablesoon butter
1 small onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tabelspoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder

-In a large sauce pan heat butter over medium heat.
-Add onions, cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until tender
-Add garlic, cook 1 minute longer
-Stir in remaining ingredients, bring to a boil
-Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend