Murfreesboro, TN June 2024

mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.

Expir es 6/30/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

June - Men's Issue

Have you ever wondered, “Does a father or being a father figure matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father figure is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!   I lost my father to an aggressive cancer when I was in college. That loss was filled with father figures and mentors that helped me navigate the complexities of becoming an adult and have been instrumental in my life. I will always miss my dad and remember the sacrifices he made to raise me and my brother, Justin. I am certain that my work ethic and drive came from him and I hope that he would be proud!

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children. I am forever grateful for my husband James and the incredible father he is to our three children. James does everything with them in mind, teaches the tough lessons and shows constant love and compassion.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:

• A father’s strength can be powerful

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive

• A dad’s physicality can be challenging

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, father figure or mentor, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

AMANDA OAKS, PUBLISHER @BOROCITYLIFESTYLE

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Amanda Oaks | amanda.oaks@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Matilyn Jennings | matilyn.jennings@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Matilyn Jennings, DeAnn Hayes, Audrey Waite, Hanan Baba

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DeAnn Hayes, Amanda Oaks, Andy Heidt, J Intintoli, Cat Curtis Murphy, Stephanie Bullock Photography, Lynn Dorton, James Evans, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Murfreesboro Police Department Mark Tankersley, Greg Johnson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Now Enrolling Now Infants

Toddlers Preschool

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

MTSU had a total of three ceremonies held on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4. They welcomed 2,439 people into the #trueBLUE alumni family. Of the degrees given, 2,036 were undergraduates and 403 were graduate students, 29 graduate students also received graduate certific

Photography by Andy Heidt, J Intintoli and Cat Curtis Murphy

A licensed Drop-In Child Care Facility with 2 locations in Middle Tennessee (Murfreesboro & Mount Juliet)

MeTime is licensed to care for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years old. Reservations are only needed if your child is younger than 12 months or needs more individualized care

Licensed by the Health Department offering hot meal options and snacks

M-TH: 8AM-10PM | F&S: 8AM-Midnight | Sun: Noon-9PM

MeTime will waive your registration fee if you bring in this ad!

metimechildcare.com

1638 Memorial Blvd | 615.603.7144

Quality Exteriors Opens New Location in Chattanooga!

Quality Exteriors Roofing recently opened a new location in Chattanooga, TN.

Quality Exteriors service area spans Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Green Hills, Nolensville, Arrington, College Grove, Franklin, Brentwood, Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Gallatin, Hendersonville and now Chattanooga! Congratulations!

Leigh Achenbach with Suddenly Simple Professional Organizing partnered with Melissa Whitlock with Bloom Family Designs, a non-profit organization who works with families fostering or adopting to create a fun and beautiful bedroom to welcome their new family member at no cost to the families. Melissa designed an amazing room for the family, and the Suddenly Simple team designed and installed a closet for the bedroom that will be shared with his new brother!

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Wag It Better Boutique and TrainingNew Location!

Wag It Better Boutique and Training is planning to open their second location in Nolensville. The boutique and training facility are planned to open June 2024! Check out the incredible training programs for dogs of all ages and shop the boutique for gifts and accessories for your favorite fur baby.  Find Wag It Better Boutique and Training in Nolensville located at 7116 Nolensville Road.

by Patricia Drach Photography

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Keep your skin healthy and glowing all summer long with one of our many facial treatments perfect for summertime. A Pure Glow favorite is the facial infusion. Utilizing micro needling or nano pen this non chemical peel helps turn your skin cells over with zero down time and no sensitivity to the sun. Facial Infusion infuses your skin with peptides, stem cells, hydration and gives your skin a boost of collagen production for 30 days. The ultimate treatment to leave your skin plump, smooth, bright and GLOWING!

Photography

Photography by Feiten Photography

ARTICLE BY MATILYN JENNINGS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE BULLOCK PHOTOGRAPHY, AMANDA OAKS

Manly Manes Must Haves

STMNT Shampoo and Conditioner:

For a daily cleanse and smooth finish, STMNT shampoo and conditioner uses activated charcoal and menthol to clean the hair and scalp from impurities leaving the hair soft and shiny. It’s great for beards too!

STMNT Grooming Spray:

After a fresh cut at What’s New Salon and Barber, this multipurpose prep and style spray maintains your hairstyle with a touchable hold that lasts all day. It leaves your hair looking natural and feeling thicker!

STMNT Fiber Pomade:

This highly pliable formula is your ticket for messy texture. Use on dry hair to create loose and moldable styles.

STMNT Dry Clay:

In a rush and need a quick style? This water-based formula delivers strong control for long-lasting rugged texture and definition in a pinch. The best part - use on dry or damp hair to achieve great style

STMNT Definition Spray:

Here’s your new go-to for enhancing hair texture and volume. The Defining Spray creates strong texture and definition without drying out the hair for a fuller hair feel and added grip.

INTRODUCING

AT FOUNTAINS AT GATEWAY

Where you can live your best life.

Maybe you work here. Or dine here. Or shop here. Or ice skate here. Or attend a concert here. Now, you can live here!

Atrium at Fountains luxury condominiums are just steps away from all you’ve come to enjoy about Fountains at Gateway.

For more information, visit our website or send us an email to schedule a showroom visit and virtual walkthrough!

visit www.atriumatfountains.com email live@atriumatfountains.com

Reserve your favorite unit today for only $5,000

ARTICLE BY MATILYN JENNINGS, LYNN DORTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNN DORTON

“Our values and principles are simple - treat customers like family and always leave things better than you found them. Providing excellent customer service from our Quality Exteriors team is always our number one priority.”

The Family Bond Behind Quality Exteriors

Building Trust, One Roof at a Time

At Quality Exteriors, Jordan and Justin Howell have a simple approach to running their family business: treat customers like family. Their customers trust them with their largest investment - their home - and the brother duo owners take that very seriously. As Middle Tennessee's premier roofing contractor for the past 18 years, their goal is to always provide superior roofing and exterior services to consumers across the region.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING PROFESSIONALLY AS BROTHERS?

We spend a lot of time together, and the bond we have as brothers is the largest, single contributing factor to our continued success. We understand and complement each other well. Plus, we have a lot of fun.

WHAT INSPIRED THE TWO OF YOU TO START QUALITY EXTERIORS?

We saw an opportunity to create trust in our industry. The reputation of roofers can leave a lot to be desired. This inspired us to do things better and change the public perception of our industry.

HOW DO YOU LEVERAGE EACH OTHER’S STRENGTHS TO DRIVE INNOVATION AND GROWTH WITHIN THE COMPANY?

We both have unique talents. Being able to work as a team every day allows us to accomplish far more than either of us would be able to individually.

WHAT VALUES OR PRINCIPLES DO YOU PRIORITIZE IN YOUR COMPANY CULTURE?

Our values and principles are simple - treat customers like family and always leave things better than you found them. Providing excellent customer service from our Quality Exteriors team is always our number one priority.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SERVING THE MURFREESBORO COMMUNITY?

We were raised here and graduated from The Webb School and then MTSU. Murfreesboro will always be home. We love helping both residential and commercial owners protect their real estate investments.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER SIBLINGS CONSIDERING STARTING A BUSINESS TOGETHER?

It's very important to realize how special it is to work together doing what you both love. It's a rare opportunity; if you can get in sync like we are, the sky's the limit to what you can accomplish.

Jordan and Justin Howell

Murfreesboro’s Heartfelt Heroes

CELEBRATING MURFREESBORO’S EVERYDAY HEROES: STORIES OF THEIR DEDICATION IMPACT TO OUR COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY MATILYN JENNING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA OAKS, VARIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mark McCluskey, Fire Chief, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department

Fire Chief Mark McCluskey’s career choice is a testament to the profound impact childhood experiences can have on someone’s life. Growing up across from Fire Station 3 on Mercury Blvd., he spent countless hours interacting with firefighters and serving as their paperboy. His father also served as the Director of Civil Defense, which evolved into today’s Rutherford County Fire and Emergency Management. “Watching my dad and the Murfreesboro firefighters serve the community had the utmost impact on my decision to become a fireman,” said Chief McCluskey. Throughout his

39 years of service, Chief McCluskey stays driven through his deep-rooted love for Murfreesboro and the satisfaction of making a difference in the community, especially during emergency responses where he can directly impact outcomes. He has found immense joy in mentoring the younger members of the department, watching them grow and serve the community with pride. “For the ones who hold this career, there is no other job like it in the world,” said Chief McCluskey.” It’s a brotherhood like no other and I’m proud to be a professional firefighter.”

Dr. Murali K. Kolli,

Vanderbilt Heart & Vascular Institute

Dr. Murali K. Kolli and his wife have been a part of the Murfreesboro community for nearly 30 years. Dr. Kolli, who serves as an Associate Professor for Vanderbilt Heart & Vascular Institute (VHVI) and Associate Medical Director for VHVI outpatient services, has watched the place where he lives and works grow and develop into the thriving community that it is today. Influenced by his parents who were both physicians, Dr. Kolli was driven by his father’s emphasis on education and his mother’s passion for service to follow in their footsteps. “When I was younger, I was very fortunate to have been surrounded by mentors and members of the community who supported my family and their profession,” said Dr. Kolli. “I am grateful that I am in a position to give back to the community that has given so much to me.” Dr. Kolli finds profound joy in connecting with patients, particularly during their most vulnerable times, which he views as a gift of human connection. When asked about what advice he would give to an aspiring doctor, Dr. Kolli said that those entering the field must be able to embrace change. “Physicians are usually very good at implementing changes to how we treat patients based on the ever-changing world of research, but sometimes we can be reluctant to non-medical changes in the healthcare system. It’s our responsibility as healthcare professionals to understand why these changes are essential and actively guide and implement them.”

“When I was younger, I was very fortunate to have been surrounded by mentors and members of the community who supported my family and their profession,” said Dr. Kolli. “I am grateful that I am in a position to give back to the community that has given so much to me.”

Eric Melone, Sergeant Stephen Luter,

Chief Flight Nurse, VUMC

Eric Melone, Chief Flight Nurse with VUMC, was inspired to pursue a career in the medical field from a young age due to his interest in science and a desire to help people, much like his grandmother who was a nurse during World War II. He finds great joy in his role when he sees patients survive and recover from severe injuries or illnesses. “Knowing that you play a part in the journey to recovery, for both the patient and their loved ones, brings me great joy in my profession.”

Murfreesboro Police Department

Sergeant Stephen Luter of the Murfreesboro Police Department finds the greatest joy in his work through team collaboration, whether with the COPS Unit, the Special Operations Unit, or the department at large. Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Sergeant Luter loves serving his community, especially when he can offer security and help to people on their toughest days. “Someone once advised me to have more “out of car experiences” in police work,” said Sergeant Luter. “For those aspiring to become a sergeant, be ready to get out of your car, talk with the members in the community, be genuine, and be confident in your abilities.”

Dillon Clemons,

5th Grade Teacher, Walter Hill Elementary

Dillon Clemons, a fifth-grade teacher at Walter Hill Elementary, was motivated to pursue teaching to create enriching academic experiences that inspire a love for learning in students. “School wasn’t something that I excelled at as a child,” said Clemons. “I hoped to create a safe place for students to step out of their comfort zone in the classroom and provide a space for them to achieve at their highest level possible.” Throughout each school year, he finds immense joy watching his students develop self-confidence and public speaking skills.

CHOOSE YOUR BREW

MIX-AND-MATCH THE PERFECT SIX PACK

When the hot summer months roll around, many people reach for a cold, refreshing beer to cool off. There are many different types of beers that are perfect for enjoying during the summer months. Whether you prefer a light and crisp ale, a fruity wheat beer, or a bold and hoppy IPA, there are plenty of different beer types that are perfect for enjoying during the summer months.

BREW: FOOD PAIRINGS:

Blonde Ale

TASTE NOTES:

Light-bodied and smooth, an easy-drinking beer known for its simplicity.

One of the most popular craft beer styles; a hoppy, moderately strong ale of golden-to-copper color.

LIGHT AND SPICY FOODS: cajun chicken wings, grilled salmon, Monterey Jack cheese

GRILLED AND SPICY FOODS: burgers, steaks, Indian curries, ginger spiced desserts

Fruit Beers

Used with wheat ales and lagers, brewers can choose from a variety of fruits for the desired flavor.

Hefeweizen

A cloudy, unfiltered style of German wheat beer with refreshing flavors of banana and clove.

ACIDIC AND LIGHT FOODS: salads with fruity dressings, pickled dishes, fruity desserts

LIGHT DELICATE FOODS: salads, Gruyere cheese, seafood, sushi

Radler

Oatmeal Stout

Also known as a Shandy, a refreshing, low-alcohol drink combining beer and citrus soda.

A dark, full-bodied, roasty, malty ale with a complementary oatmeal flavor.

LIGHT AND SPICY FOODS: seafood, salads, fruit tarts, spicy shrimp, thai curry

RICH AND SALTY FOODS: lobster, french fries, mushrooms, blue cheese

MR. HANDYMAN’S DOOR INSTALLATION GUIDE

ARTICLE BY MATILYN JENNINGS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA OAKS

MR. HANDYMAN OF MURFREESBORO HOW-TO-GUIDE FOR NEW DOOR INSTALLATION FOR SUMMER

As the warm breeze of summer approaches, many homeowners embark on home improvement projects to enhance their living spaces. One project that can significantly impact both the aesthetics and functionality of a home is installing a new door. Whether upgrading to a more energy-efficient option with the Tennessee summer heat, enhancing curb appeal, or addressing wear and tear, installing a new door can breathe fresh life into any property. Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro has your comprehensive guide on how to replace and install a new door with step-by-step instructions to help you tackle this summer project.

Here are the supplies you’ll need to install your new door: Pry bar, Screwdriver, Utility knife, Hammer, Drill with Screwdriver Bit, Measuring Tape, Materials, Shims, Exterior Caulk, Level, Screws

REMOVE DOOR FRAME

REMOVE YOUR OLD DOOR

Ensure you have a clear workspace around the front door. Unscrew and remove the doorknob, latch assembly, and any other hardware attached to the door. Starting from the hinge side, loosen the door frame using a pry bar to gently loosen the frame from the wall.

Carefully pry the door frame away from the wall, starting with the top and moving down the sides. Once the frame is loose, detach the hinges from the door and set aside and lift the old door out of the frame

Drill pilot holes through the hinge screw locations and attach the door to the frame with screws. Open and close the door to ensure it operates smoothly and evenly. Attach the new doorknob, latch assembly, and any other hardware. Apply exterior caulk around the outside edges of the door frame to prevent drafts and moisture. Check again for proper alignment and functionality. Dispose of old materials, clean up the work area, and enjoy your new door! 01

INSTALL YOUR NEW DOOR

Ensure the door frame is clean and free of debris. Attach the hinges to the new door according to the manufacturer’s instructions. With the help of a friend, place the new door into the frame. Insert shims at the bottom of the door to ensure it is level and plumb. Check for even spacing around the door.

PUT ON THE FINAL TOUCHES

02 03 04

Summertime MediterraneanInspired Dishes

SENIOR MTSU DIETETICS STUDENTS RECOMMEND THESE TASTY DISHES FOR SUMMER!

ARTICLE BY AUDREY WAITE AND HANAN BABA PHOTOGRAPHY BY J INTINTOLI

Mediterranean dishes are celebrated for their robust flavors, fresh ingredients, and aromatic herbs. The use of olive oil, olives, and fragrant seasonings like oregano and basil enhances the vibrant taste profiles, making each meal not only delicious but also wholesome. These culinary delights feature lean proteins, healthy fats, and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, perfectly aligning with a nutritious and delicious summer diet!

Batata Harra

Batata Harra is a savory side dish originating from Lebanon. Seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, cilantro, and spice, these spicy potatoes are full of flavor and are deliciously crispy. It pairs nicely with salads and anything grilled!

ingredients

• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 c. vegetable oil for deep frying

• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 4 tbsp cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon french fry seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Lemon juice (to your liking

preparation:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1 inch cubes. Rinse.

2. Add the potatoes to ice water and soak for 10 minutes.

3. Add the cubed potatoes to a pot of boiling water and parboil for 5 to 6 minutes, or until fork-tender.

4. Drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly.

5. Toss the potatoes in cornstarch until coated evenly.

6. Add 1 cup of vegetable oil to a small pot and place over medium heat (about 350°F).

7. Deep fry the potatoes until golden-brown. This may need to be done in batches to ensure the potatoes are not overcrowded. Drain and set aside.

8. Evenly coat a wide pan with vegetable oil. Heat on low and add cilantro, garlic, and salt. Stir for about a minute, until fragrant and a slight color change is noticed. Mix in the fried potatoes, then add lemon juice.

9. Season with black pepper, crushed red pepper, paprika, and french fry seasoning and serve warm.

BATATA HARRA (SPICY FRIED POTATOES)*

Hanan Baba, Senior Dietetic at MTSU prepares Batata Harra

BAKED

Packed with protein and healthy fat, salmon is the superfood of the sea. This simple, heart-healthy dish is marinated in olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and spice.

ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 tbsp olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cilantro, freshly chopped

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped

• 3 (6oz) skinless salmon filets

preparation:

1. Prepare the marinade by mixing garlic, olive oil, cilantro, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and parsley in a medium bowl.

2. Place salmon filets in a medium sized baking dish and cover with the marinade.

3. Cover with aluminum foil and let it marinate in the refrigerator for one hour, turning occasionally.

4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 5. Place the filets covered and sealed in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes.

The fattoush salad is another traditional Lebanese dish. It’s a fresh and vibrant mix of seasonal veggies topped with olive oil, crunchy pita bread, feta cheese and more.

ingredients

• Bundle of parsley, chopped

• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

• ¼ sweet onion, chopped

• 2 radishes, grated

• 1 (24 oz) bag of iceberg lettuce salad

• 1/3 pound of feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

preparation:

• Clove of garlic, minced

• 1 ½ lemons, juiced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• 1 loaf (whole wheat) pita bread

1. Mix the parsley, tomatoes, onion, radishes, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Reserve the iceberg lettuce, pita bread, and feta cheese for later steps.

2. Once ingredients are mixed, add the ready-salad bag, but do not toss until ready to serve. This keeps the lettuce fresh for longer.

3. Slice the loaf of pita bread horizontally to produce two thin, flat slices. Toast the slices in a microwave for one minute, until crisp. Let them cool for about 10 seconds. Once ready, break them into smaller pieces to add to the bowl.

4. Toss when ready to serve

Audrey Waite, Senior Dietetic at MTSU preparing baked salmon

Fattoush salad

This baked pear recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the warm flavors of maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.

ingredients

• 4 D’Anjou pears (aka Anjou pears)

• 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Optional toppings: Maple Almond Granola https://sallysbakingaddiction. com/maple-almond-cranberry-granola /, Greek yogurt, pecans

preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F

2. Cut pears in half, then cut a small sliver off the underside so the pears sit flat when placed upright on the baking sheet.

3. Remove the core with a cookie scoop or melon baller.

4. Arrange pears, facing up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon.

5. Whisk maple syrup and vanilla extract together and drizzle most of it all over the pears, reserving about 2 Tablespoons for after the pears are finished baking.

6. Bake pears for about 25 minutes until soft and lightly browned on the edges.

7. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with remaining maple syrup mixture.

8. Add optional toppings and serve warm.

Recipe link: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com simple-maple-vanilla-baked-pears/ *Original recipe

MAPLE VANILLA BAKED PEARS

Audrey Waite and Hanan Baba

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

ARTICLE BY DANIEL SCHOWENGERDT

01.

Get fit for equipment.

If you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

02.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads:

Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs

Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

03.

Practice your short game every day.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

USING THESE TIPS YOU CAN MAKE A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE.

A good barbecue sauce is comprised of a variety of the same six components. The key is to discover what style you enjoy most, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Oh, and taste often during the preparation process to adjust if so desired.

SOMETHING SWEET

This can be honey, cola, molasses, preserves, brown sugar, or syrup. This caramelizes as you cook, bringing those smoky, sugary flavors.

SOMETHING TANGY

Think vinegar, mustard, or citrus. This is what brings the zing to your sauce.

SOMETHING SPICY

This provides your heat: a hot sauce is a great choice. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 teaspoon for every cup of sauce you’re making.

SOMETHING LIQUID

It can be beer, water, chicken stock, soda, or wine. Start with about 1/2 a cup and see what happens.

SOMETHING TOMATO

You’ll most likely use ketchup, but you can also use tomato paste.

THE SPICE COMBINATION

This can depend on your liking and taste and can include anything from onion powder to garlic powder to chili powder to allspice to cayenne pepper to mustard powder to liquid smoke to cumin to Worcestershire sauce and more. Start with a teaspoon of salt, and keep tasting as you experiment with your desired spices.

HOMEMADE

BBQ SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups ketchup

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 5 tablespoons brown sugar

• 5 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 tablespoon  black pepper

• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder

• 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

Recipe and information courtesy of Pat Neely and Gina Neely.