Mustard Paint

This is an old style mustard-based barbecue sauce. This recipe is for a basting sauce used for smoking or grilling slabs of ribs, pork loins, pork butts, pork tenderloins, ham, chicken, brisket, or any meat of your choice. Once the mustard paint is applied, the meat is dusted with a dry rub. The paint acts as a glue for the dry rub. See Memphis Style Ribs.

6 ounces flat beer
2 cups prepared yellow mustard
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and store in an air tight jar in the refrigerator. This barbecue sauce will keep for several months. You can replace beer with lemon juice or liquor. You can also use the Dijon style mustard for the American mustard.

When ready to use, paint the mustard sauce on the meat or chicken and then put your favorite spice rub on. Grill or smoke.

Makes 3 cups