Curtis' All-American BBQ Sauce

If you've never been to Curtis' BBQ, self-proclaimed "Ninth Wonder of the world", just off the highway in Putney , VT , you're in for a treat. Since 1965, from April to October, in a rambling, ramshackle array of outbuildings centered around a blue schoolbus, Curtis Tuff smokes his ribs and chickens over hardwood coals under the watchful eye of his "supervisor", a pet pot-bellied pig named C.J. The meats are incredibly flavorful on their own, but pushed to the brink of insanity when mopped with his wildly flavorful sauces. Although ketchup-based, they are kept from being too sweet by the layers of flavor imparted by vinegar, mustard, Tabasco and a host of other ingredients.

Rave reviews by the New York Times, James and Michael Stern, the BBQ Pilgrim and many others have not gone to Curtis' head; he told one reviewer: "After 39 years I'm starting to get the hang of it. Another five more years and I should have it down pretty good." Wow. Well, 3 years have passed since he made that remark, and I think he's ahead of schedule.

Try the sauces either Spicy or Mild (we like the spicy and though we love spicy foods, we think it's just right) on chicken, pork ribs, steak or even tempeh. And next time you're driving down 91, pull off at Exit 4 in Putney and let Curtis know what you think.

Size: 12oz