Homemade Ketchup and BBQ -- FAIL!

For a long time, I’ve been meaning to make some homemade ketchup and BBQ sauce, to save money and make something without high fructose corn syrup or preservatives in it.  I hadn’t done it simply from lack of time.  However, over my Christmas vacation I had a couple of days of free time, so I finally took the opportunity to make both.  And let me tell you…….. it was a complete FAIL!  I followed the directions exactly as they had it listed, and they both taste HORRIBLE.  Blech!!  I tried adding some extra agave to try to sweeten it up, hoping that would cut out on the bitter/vinegar taste, but it didn’t work.  Maybe letting it sit for longer will help it meld together better?  I just don’t know.  

Does anyone have any suggestions, secrets or other recipes that have been tasty??

Below are the recipes I got from Pinterest to make them.....

Ketchup                                                     BBQ

KETCHUP

Ingredients:

6 oz tomato paste

2/3 c apple cider vinegar

1/3 c water

2 tbsp preferred sugar substitute - optional (I used agave)

2 tbsp onions

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground allspice

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:

Combine ingredients in food processor and blend until the onion disappears.  Spoon mixture into airtight container and store in fridge.

Source: Marks Daily Apple

GLUTEN FREE, CLEAN EATING BBQ

Ingredients:

15 oz can tomato sauce

6 oz can tomato paste

1 tsp. tamari soy sauce

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

4 tbsp unsulfured molasses

3 tbsp honey

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together in a mixing bowl and mix well using a whisk, or toss eveyrthing in a blender/Vitamix and blend that way.  Store in an airtight container and store in fridge. 

Source: The Gracious Pantry