Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup apple juice or 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/8 cup soy sauce
  • 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (more or less to taste)
  • 1/3 cup imitation bacon bits, ground in a spice grinder
  • 1/3 cup peeled and grated apple
  • 1/3 cup grated onion
  • 2 teaspoons grated green bell peppers

Method

  • Mix together the ketchup, rice vinegar, apple juice or cider, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, white pepper, cayenne, and bacon bits in a large saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in apple, onion, and bell pepper. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Stir it often.
  • Allow to cool, then pour into sterilized glass jars. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  • VARIATION: To make this sauce a little hotter, add more cayenne pepper to taste, approximately another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. Be careful; a little cayenne goes a long way.