L.E.S Barbecue Sauce

Name: L.E.S Barbecue Sauce
Yield: Makes 3 cups
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely diced; 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 cup (2 ounces) brewed espresso or 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 2 ounces boiling water; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup whiskey; 2 cups ketchup; 1 1/2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar

January 24, 2012

Sure, you can buy barbecue sauce, but wait until you try ours—it’s what we call QC, or quick cook. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your fridge or pantry. This tangy Lower East Side creation is the star ingredient in our BBQ Pork Balls (page 11), but it shines on its own with any grilled meat or bird.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Black Sesame Tofu “Basque” Cheesecake

There are many things that appeal about a Basque cheesecake—it's crustless (one less job) and is meant to look “rustic” with its wrinkled and jagged sides.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.