Home grills may be put away for the season, but things are just starting to smoke at Crabtree Farms. The Pig Roast, an annual fall barbecue celebration, happens Saturday, Oct. 8. Featured again this year is the Hittin' the Sauce contest for those who think they can make some darn good moppin' sauce.
Barbecue sauce is a matter of taste and region, so where you grew up may well determine what type you like the best. In parts of North Carolina, mustard-based sauces rule. Tennessee is split down the middle by lovers of vinegar-based and tomato-based sauces. In Kansas City, you'll find most restaurants serving sweet, spicy, tomato-based sauces.
At Crabtree Farms, you'll find a mix of everything. So mark your calendar, order your tickets and get ready for some hot fun. The price for the entire evening, including food and music, is $30 for individuals, $50 for couples and $70 per family for members. Nonmember prices are $35, $60 and $80. Best yet, your money helps support the mission of Crabtree Farms, and the cost is 100 percent tax-deductible.
The barbecue celebration will start at 6 p.m., with dinner served from 7 to 7:30. It will feature slow-roasted barbecue, as well as vegetarian and vegan options and lots of local fare. The roast will rock on till dark with family-friendly live entertainment.
If you think you have a really good sauce recipe, test your luck against other barbecue masters. Spots are still left for the sauce contest, but keep in mind the rules:
- Any type of sauce is welcome, and there are no separate categories for different types.
- Entrants must be willing to taste their own sauce.
- Entrants must provide a list of ingredients to Crabtree Farms two days before the contest as ingredients will be posted during the event.
- Most importantly, you must provide at least 1/2 gallon of your sauce as well as your own table for setup.
Your contest registration will include one free ticket, so it's a great deal. For complete rules, log onto crabtreefarms.org.
To get you started, here's an easy recipe from barbecue.about.com that showcases flavors of Kansas City barbecue.
Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne
Heat oil in a saucepan. Add garlic, and sauté until brown. Add remaining ingredients, and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
Email Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.