Gates' Barbecue Sauce (KC)

This recipe, which produces the very same Gates' Barbecue Sauce that you can get at their six locations in Kansas City, most KC-area supermarkets, and from their Web site, was featured on an episode of "From Martha's Kitchen" on the Food Network about four years ago.

1 c sugar
1/4 c salt
2 T celery seed
2 T ground cumin
2 T ground cayenne pepper
2 T garlic powder
1 T chili powder
2 qt ketchup
2 c apple cider vinegar
1-1/2 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

In a small bowl, combine sugar, salt, celery seed, cumin, red pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine ketchup, vinegar, liquid smoke, and lemon juice. Add dry ingredients and mix until very well blended. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Sauce may be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in freezer for up to 6 months.

Yield: about 3 quarts