Carolina In My Mind

 

“In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind.”

-James Taylor

 My mind is definitely in Carolina today.  My friend Leigh’s (mentioned here and here) due date is today with her second little bundle of joy and I can’t wait to hear the news. 

Her first, Tyson, was born on his due date, and if I had to bet, I would say this little peanut (gender is a surprise) will too.  She lives in the Carolinas which seems like so far away during times like this!  Good luck Fergie!

 

 

 

So, in honor of the Carolinas, here is a bold and tangy homemade bbq sauce  that can be whipped up in under 35 minutes and is better than any jarred sauce you can buy.  I love this stuff. Enjoy!

 

Mustard BBQ Sauce

Print this recipe!

• 1 cup prepared yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 

Mix all ingredients together and simmer over a low heat for 30 minutes.

Use as a quick marinade (once cooled), basting and dipping sauce.  Delicious with chicken and pork.

 

 

The basic Mustard based BBQ sauce is one that originated in North and South Carolina.  According to history, it was heavily influenced by the German immigrants in that area.  This sauce has traditionally been best for pork. It's easy to make, and there's many variations of this basic recipe.  (source)

 

BBQ Chicken Pizza

 
Easy, quick, yum!  This a great weeknight meal which we eat quite a bit at our house.  Enjoy!
BBQ Chicken Pizza

Print this recipe!

• 1 Whole Wheat pizza shell - I use Boboli
• 1 Chicken breast
• 1/2 C thinly sliced red onion – mandolins are great for this!
• 1-1 1/2 C reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese – shredded
• 1 C of your favorite BBQ Sauce, plus extra for chicken

Bake the chicken breast with a bit of your favorite BBQ sauce in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or sauté over medium high heat until cooked through.  Let cool and chop into small pieces.

When assembling the pizza, for the best results you should layer in an "inside out" or in a reverse manner.
First, put a layer of cheese directly on the crust. 

Then spread the chicken on top of the cheese.

 

Next, place the thinly sliced red onion on top. 

 

 

Lastly, pour/dribble the BBQ sauce on top.  The sauce will caramelize and get even sweeter in the oven. 

 

You can do more or less of each ingredient depending on your personal preference.  Don't be afraid to play around with it and make it your own.
Bake on the oven rack at 450 degrees for 10 minutes.
Delish!