Blackberry-Coffee Barbecue Sauce

Makes about 1½ cups

Here’s a quick and easy sauce that you can put together in a matter of minutes yet tastes like it took hours to make. Baste it on anything that goes on the grill, or use it as a sauce for beans and rice, on sautéed fish or roasted chicken, or basted on oven-roasted potatoes.

3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup strong coffee
1/4 cup blackberry jam (use a 100 percent fruit jam for best flavor)
1  tablespoon tomato paste
1  tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 to 1 tablespoon brown sugar (depending on desired sweetness)
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon chile powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic granules

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Use immediately or store any unused sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe courtesy of Kris Wetherbee (Herbs for Health Magazine)