Barbecue sauce is the secret to balanced flavors in desserts
At first, the idea of incorporating barbecue sauce into dessert recipes may seem a little extreme. However, this condiment known for jazzing up ribs, pulled pork, brisket, wings and other backyard dishes can also instantly revolutionize your desserts. While there are plenty of desserts you can make on the grill, like s’mores and cobbler, you don’t necessarily have to leave the kitchen—let alone fire up the grill—to enjoy a taste of the outdoors. With a distinctive fusion of smoky, sweet and tangy notes, barbecue sauce offers a finger-licking, “can’t-miss-it-until-you-try” blend of flavors that can elevate your favorite classics.
While each region has its own style of barbecue sauce, the magic lies in the variety of ingredients such as honey, molasses, tomato, mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, and various seasonings. Many versions also contain more sugar than you might think, which allows them to fit perfectly into dessert recipes. Yet, one of the most compelling reasons to use barbecue sauce in desserts is its ability to balance sweetness with a hint of saltiness, providing a well-rounded flavor. Vinegar can also tone down any cloying sensation and add brightness to the palate.
Read more: 13 Store-Bought Ice Cream Bars, Ranked From Worst to Best
Experiment with barbecue sauce in various desserts
Picture a simple batch of brownies. Now picture a swirl of barbecue sauce swirled into the batter. Unusual? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely! The result is a chewy, chocolatey bite loaded with a slight smoky note. Brownies infused with barbecue sauce always have a gooey crumb and contain a slight tang. Cheesecake is another dessert that can be made more unique by the condiment. For example, a bright combination of barbecue sauce and strawberry frosting on a slice of velvety cheesecake provides a zest that further enhances the characteristic tartness of the cream cheese.
A simple bowl of vanilla ice cream can be a surprisingly appetizing backdrop. A drizzle of warm barbecue sauce on a sundae sets the stage for a sensory roller coaster. The interplay of the coolness of the ice cream and the warm relish creates a charming contrast in temperature and flavor, no matter the season. Top the ice cream with crispy bacon bits, chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a handful of popcorn for a nice crunch. For an extra kick, drizzle some warm honey on top. Barbecue sauce can also complement apple pie. When you swirl the condiment into the topping before baking, its tang perfectly complements the fruit’s natural tartness and the aromatic qualities of cinnamon.
Read the original article on Mashed.
