Most people who give a backyard grilling party will just buy the sauces from the local grill store or supermarket. But it is not really all that difficult to prepare your own. That will really make your cooking stand out from the rest. Here is a barbecue sauce recipe that can easily be prepared in advance in the kitchen ...

Gado-Gado sauce is inspired by Indonesian cuisine and is simple to make. It is a great accompaniment for many dishes, not just those served at backyard grilling parties. Since it is based on peanut butter, it has a rich, nutty flavour and a golden brown colour, so it looks good as well as tasting good. This recipe makes a pouring sauce but if you use more peanut butter and substitute some milk for the stock, you can make a thicker version. The cayenne gives it spiciness; take care not to overdo it as the more subtle flavours will be lost. The honey counteracts and balances the sharpness and acidity of the lemon juice and vinegar, leaving the sauce with a smooth, rounded flavor that complements the nuttiness of the peanut butter base.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons oil

1 large onion, peeled and chopped up finely

1 large clove of garlic, crushed or chopped finely

1 bay leaf

1-2 teaspoons of finely grated fresh root ginger

half a teaspoon of salt

6-8 tablespoons of peanut butter

1 tablespoon of honey

juice of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon of soy sauce

1-1 1/4 pint of water

quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper

ground black pepper to taste

Method:

Gently fry the chopped onion, garlic, bay leaf and grated ginger in a medium sized saucepan, together with the salt. When the onions have become translucent, add the remaining ingredients and mix them thoroughly. The sauce will seem very thin at this stage but will gradually thicken as it cooks. Bring it to the boil, stirring frequently. When it is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally to prevent any burning or sticking. Check the seasoning and remove the bay leaf before serving. This can be prepared in advance and reheated at the time of the party, allowing you to concentrate on grilling the main course. Serve hot in a pre-warmed, preferably covered sauce jug.

So as you see, I am not kidding you when I say it is easy, preparation takes only a few minutes and the cooking process does not involve anything really complicated. This sauce is not just great for barbecues, it can easily spice-up any meal that you serve, it goes particularly well with brown rice and risottos. And the name is a real talking point at any dinner party!