Paducah Ky Secret Sauce- Starnes BBQ Sauce Home Made

[devo]

3 TBSP Ketchup (Heinz)
4 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar (1/4 cup)
1 TBSP water
1 Tsp Black Pepper (fine ground)
¼ Tsp White pepper
½ Tsp Cayenne (red) pepper (or more to taste, locals will use 1 Tsp)
2 Tsp Tabasco or other red pepper sauce

All measures are level measurements.

Mix it in a small Tupperware container and shake to mix. Store at room temperature but if you are not going to use it for a while, refrigerate or just throw it away and make fresh next time. Some folks add a little sugar but I think this is closer to the Starnes recipe in taste. This sauce is hot but not as hot as some like it. Just add more cayenne if you want it hotter like at the restaurant. Enjoy!

[devo]

We don't have Starne's up here in Canada so one of you guys that know how it should taste and smell like I would really like to hear back from you to see if this is a close substitute.

[KyNola]

Devo,
I live in Paducah Ky, the home of Starne's BBQ.  Where did you find the recipe for Starne's BBQ sauce?  The only reason I ask is Starne's is 4th generation family owned and I don't know a soul who has ever claimed to know the recipe.  I actually know some of the family members and they don't know the recipe or if they do, they sure ain't sharing it.

[squirtthecat]

I'll give it a shot and compare.   Looks similar to 'some' of the ingredients they print on the bottle.   

[KyNola]

Devo, I just mixed up a batch with the measurements you provided.  In my unprofessional opinion it is WAY too tart, almost puckery.  You also asked about the smell. The smell is somewhat funky to me.

[Ka Honu]

... too tart, almost puckery. 

Maybe try tomato paste/sauce instead of catsup and/or less vinegar and/or a less "vinegary" hot sauce than Tabasco??

[hal4uk]

Devo...  It has flour in it.
The ingredients are listed right on the bottle.
I've tried (Oh Lordieeeeeeeeeee, have I tried)...
I can't duplicate it.
Just gave up a while back.