302137 Sat Jun 03 17:49:47 -0700 2006 36 31 Home Cooking 0 1689596 A few years ago, they stopped making my favorite off-the-shelf barbecue sauce, Texas Best, Original recipe. It was NOT SWEET, but tangy and smoky, the only one I could find that was not sweet. As is the way of many good products, they started making other flavors, all of them sweet, and discontinued the original. I even tried ordering from the company, and they had no more left. Does anyone remember this sauce? Do you know of another bottled sauce that is similar, or a recipe for something like it? Sat Jun 03 17:49:47 -0700 2006 0 nyetknish 1 1689598 You might give Stubb's(Original) a try. It's less sweet than most bottled bbq sauces. Sat Jun 03 18:24:37 -0700 2006 1689596 0 Chimayo Joe 2 1689600 Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I was hopeful about Stubbs, but tried it, didn't like it. Just doesn't have the zing that Texas Best had. Sat Jun 03 20:06:33 -0700 2006 1689598 0 nyetknish 1 1689606 I remember that sauce. I loved it. I used to put it on roast beef sandwhiches on sourdough - Great sandwhich. Good on ribs too. I miss it. :( Sun Jun 04 02:49:44 -0700 2006 1689596 0 wolf 1 1689613 I'm with you on disappearing sauces. My favorite was Old Southern, now no where to be found. I don't care for sweet sauces either. My favorte bottled now is Gates & Sons original. Their extra hot is pretty good too and not all that hot. Hard core aficionados here diss the Q, but they're always busy. Link below. Link: http://gatesbbq.com/store.html Sun Jun 04 14:53:50 -0700 2006 1689596 0 chileheadmike 1 1689622 Let me add my voice to the lament for good sauces fallen off the market: Peck Wicker's Original Missouri Barbecuing Sauce, a completely nonsweet, nonthick compound of vinegar, water and spices, sharp and pungent and unparalleled in the commercial grocery world. Half the people I recommended it to hated it, the other half became as addicted as I. When I tasted the white BBQ sauce from Hog Heaven in Nashville, I was able to synthesize it by beating together equal parts of Wicker's and mayonnaise, plus a little buttermilk. And now it's gone, gone, gone... Sun Jun 04 23:01:13 -0700 2006 1689596 0 Will Owen 1 1689653 Stubb's is the only one I can find easily that isn't overly sweet like the rest. I like the spicy one. If its not tangy enough for you, you could add a little vinegar. Tue Jun 06 12:26:31 -0700 2006 1689596 0 rl 1 1689661 A lot of small companies make sauces available locally. Go into an Albertson's here in Tulsa and you won't find good cheese or pastrami but you will find a long long shelf with at least fifty kinds. My favorite (and everyone else's it seems) is Head Country from Ponca City, Okla. (which incidentally is available online). Link: http://www.headcountry.com/ Image: http://www.bbq-tools.com/store/images/hc-bbqreg.jpg Tue Jun 06 22:12:11 -0700 2006 1689596 0 Brian S 1 1690336 I had missed this sauce as well. I however ran across the same labeled "Texas Best" sauce from Marzetti just last week on my Wisconsin IGA's shelf. It seems they are attempting to produce it again. It is coming from the same distributor http://www.marzetti.com though it appears to have different ingredients (yes, I really kept an old bottle). I bought it immediately but have not tried it yet, so I can not report as to it's qualities. Here's to great Q. Link: http://www.marzetti.com/ Fri Jun 16 00:36:04 -0700 2006 1689596 0 MadisonKobalt 2 1706593 Here is a link to an online store that sells Texas Best (plus a ton more). Can't vouch for the sauce or the store. Link: http://www.ironq.com/texas_best_barbecue_sauce_original_rib_style.html Wed Jun 21 23:13:29 -0700 2006 1690336 0 Jeff 2 1744348 Thanks for all the replies, I love this board. I checked out the Marzetti's website and while they do say they make the "original RIB STYLE," that's not the same as the "orignal" recipe. I actually called them a few years ago when I was going through withdrawal and they told me they stopped making the "original" recipe. I even offered to buy what they had left but they had none in stock. The "original rib style" is a sweet mess, IMHO. The nice thing about this sauce was that it was on most supermarket shelves where I live (Vermont/NH border) so it wasn't a big deal to get it. If any of you think you have found the original style vs. the original RIB style, please let me know. Fri Jul 14 12:46:55 -0700 2006 1690336 18944 nyetknish 1 1726129 Texas Best Barbecue sauce -- original recipe -- is still being made by Marzetti. You can check it out at: www.marzetti.com I've purchased it via the Internet over the past couple of years. There's a retail Internet barbecue shop in Connecticut that sells it, as well as various other sources. Tue Jul 04 16:53:15 -0700 2006 1689596 16231 academic 1 1755840 I, too, have been deprived of this sauce, so I am trying to replicate it. I remember tomato paste, thyme, and 'no added sugar' from the label. Could anyone list the other ingredients from the label? I, also, remember it being chunky, not smooth, like most other commercial sauces. The chunkiness, partly, consisted of grated onions, if my memory serves. The recipe so far (revised): 4 oz. tomato paste 6 oz. water 1 Tbl worchestershire sauce 3/4 Tsp dried thyme 1/2 sweet onion, grated 1 clove garlic, smashed 1/2 Tsp ground chile d'arbol pods 1/4 Tsp ground cumin 2 Tbl white vinegar 1/4 Tsp liquid smoke salt pepper Note: The sauce is reminiscent of Texas Best, but the color is far too red, not rusty like the original. Thu Jul 20 09:36:48 -0700 2006 1689596 20400 kheper 1 1761394 Yes, I Know exactly what your`re talking about. Texas Best....the real one...rich, thick, peppery no vinegar or sugar taste...just real BBQ flavor....a few years back I could not find it...just the other junk....well the scoop is Texas Best was bought up by Marzetti but bought it for the name...the chefs (want to be`s) there thought they could get Krafts bbq sauce, add a cup of sugar and bottle it and market it as Texas Best......just kidding...I don`t know if they used Krafts...anyway I work for a supermarket (800 stores)they pulled the new junk from the shelfs..(don`t sell). I`m hoping the original maker comes forward with the recipe someday...I think that`s the only way we`re going to get it... Sun Jul 23 01:49:02 -0700 2006 1689596 21049 dgpeer 1 1765463 MadisonKobalt wrote: '"Texas Best" sauce from Marzetti [] appears to have different ingredients (yes, I really kept an old bottle)' Could you list the ingredients on the label for me? I am trying to cook up a recipe, simulating the taste, but I think I have a vinegar problem. Tue Jul 25 11:29:00 -0700 2006 1689596 20400 kheper 1 1794919 My final revision to the Texas Best recipe: Texas Best BBQ sauce: 3 oz. tomato paste 8 oz. water 1 Tbl prepared mustard 3/4 Tsp dried thyme 1 clove garlic, smashed 1/2 sweet onion, grated 3 - 4 chile d'arbol pods, de-seeded and ground 1/4 Tsp ground cumin 2 Tbl white vinegar 1/4 Tsp liquid smoke salt to taste pepper to taste Combine the above ingredients into a small, non-reactive sauce pan. Bring the contents of the pan to a boil, cut the flame to the lowest setting, and simmer until the sauce is thick. Tue Aug 08 17:57:55 -0700 2006 1689596 20400 kheper 1 1795863 Try Eddie Deen's Crawford BBQ Sauce. It was in the goody-bags at the presidential inauguration. If you didn't get one, you can order it here: http://www.eddiedeen.com/about_us.htm TT Tue Aug 08 23:23:25 -0700 2006 1689596 19247 TexasToast 1 2219793 I too sorely miss "The Old" Texas Best. It is truely frustrating not to be able to taste it again. One time when it still did exist I tried to make my own version. A couple of the ingrediants I remember that aren't in Kehper's recipe are 1. Chile Powder 2. Anchovy paste and 3. Molasses. The taste came close at that time, though not as good as from the factory. It too was a bit redder than the factory stuff but I think more chile powder might help that and also add to the spiceyness. I sure hope we can get it again one day. B. M. Tue Jan 23 18:17:20 -0800 2007 1689596 68673 Marasarj 2 2548449 Thanks for all the info. I just finished a bottle I had in the refrigerator, and was making the rounds, trying to remember where I bought it before. It is so disappointing when great products disappear. At least I know I can stop looking for it. Mon May 07 10:46:04 -0700 2007 2219793 96911 ivan field 1 2395340 In my recipe: the ground chile d'arbol pods and the ground cumin are the chile powder. I seem to remember the label, stating that there was no added sweetner, so I added none. Sat Mar 17 13:31:55 -0700 2007 1689596 20400 kheper 1 2608651 I am heartsick! I thought maybe my favorite sauce was a victim of the local grocery store buyers not having a clue. At least now I can stop the search and thanks to other posters, I won't be picking up any of the new version. I've tried more brands than I can remember and none have even come close to Texas Best. Why in the world do the people who manufacture BBQ sauce think Hickory smoke flavoring is a must? The stuff is horrible! The sweet sauces are equally horrible. Has anyone (who isn't trying to sell their own product) found anything remotely close to Texas Best? I'd really like to cook another batch of great ribs again before I die. Mon May 28 17:24:47 -0700 2007 1689596 101698 hdcowboy 2 2941582 Texas Best (yet another revision!) 4 oz. tomato paste 10 oz. water 1 1/2 Tsp dry mustard 1 Tsp Worchestershire sauce 1 Tsp dried thyme 1 clove garlic, smashed 1/2 of a small onion, grated 1/2 Tsp chile d'arbol pods, de-seeded and ground 1/4 Tsp ground cumin 1 Tbl lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1 Tbl white vinegar 1 Tbl molasses 1 Tsp liquid smoke salt pepper Combine the above ingredients into a small, non-reactive sauce pan. Bring the contents of the pan to a boil, cut the flame to the lowest setting, and simmer until the sauce is thick. Fri Sep 14 10:25:04 -0700 2007 2608651 20400 kheper 1 3513870 Everyone seems to have a personal holy grail of BBQ sauce and I am no exceptions. But for me the real joy has been in the journey to finding the best for each particular desire. Check http://www.hawgeyesbbq.com/ as a one stop place to experiment to your hearts desire. Some of my personal favorites are Rib Ranger's Spicy and Big Bob Gibson's Championship Red. Locally (DE/MD/SNJ) Sticky Fingers has several types available that beat most of the national stuff taking up so much shelf space. Fri Mar 21 06:46:56 -0700 2008 1689596 142212 jd of de 1 3516518 I tired of all the sweet sauces on the market too. I have a recipe for sauce that has good balance of flavor tang and a little smoke (probably from the molasses). Play with it and see if it works out for you. You can always add a little liquid smoke, or smoked paprika to adjust the flavors. I can't make it too "adult" or my kids will not eat it. ¼ tsp ground allspice ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground mace ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ teaspoon curry powder ½ teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon paprika ¼ cup white vinegar ½ teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tobasco or Frank’s Red Hot 1 cup ketchup 1/3 cup dark molasses Fri Mar 21 23:28:40 -0700 2008 1689596 62758 gsshark 1 3517926 Nyetknish, Try calling Mike at Hawgeyes. Really knowledgeable and my be able to help you. http://www.hawgeyesbbq.com/ Rich Sat Mar 22 15:17:52 -0700 2008 1689596 161523 rcspott 1 3574117 Nyetknish & Other Texas Best Original Flavor Lamenters, take heart! After many tears and much experimentation, here's an EASY 'just-combine-and-shake' recipe DH and I think is pretty reminiscent of (our also) beloved Texas Best Original Flavor BBQ Sauce. This can be used just as you would have the TB Original (we brush it on chicken before grilling and reserve what's left for additional dipping after the chicken is done) : In a jar with a TIGHT FITTING LID, combine: - 2 TBSP light brown granulated sugar (fear not, sauce WON'T taste sweet - promise!) - 1 tsp. kosher salt - 1 tsp dry mustard powder - 1 tsp. chili powder - 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper - 2 TBSP. white vinegar - 2 TBSP. Worcestershire sauce - 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice - 1 or 2 tsp. liquid hickory smoke - 3 TBSP. tomato paste - 2 TBSP. olive oil Tighten the lid well (!) and shake thoroughly to combine ingredients. That's it. Hope this brings back good TBO memories. We'd love to know what you think. Roz *** PLEASE NOTE: As it may affect your finished product, please note we have a somewhat unconventional way of doing grilled chicken: we first cut the raw chicken into serving pieces and put them into a large pot, pouring one can of beer over the chicken pieces and adding water just enough to cover. We boil covered (with the lid about 3/4 on) until chicken is done (pulling the white meat first as it's the first to be done) and then the dark meat when it has cooked through. We brush the sauce on the COOKED chicken pieces -- top and bottom -- and only then put them on the grill for a few minutes per side, or just enough time for the sauce flavors to cook in. We have found this method prevents chicken that is charred on the outside and raw inside. Tue Apr 08 12:57:38 -0700 2008 1689596 126733 italianplease 1 3790929 Texas Best Barbecue Sauce is back. The company is back in production by the original owners. Use the attach website link to order online. http://www.texasbestbarbequesauce.com/ Finally, the search is over and we can go back to enjoying the high quality product that Texas Best truly it is. Wed Jun 18 10:06:20 -0700 2008 1689596 200990 TUNAGODS 2 3791136 I also forgot to mention in that there try rugs are really good to. So everybody a livid up and get back on the Texas Best bandwagon Wed Jun 18 10:46:45 -0700 2008 3790929 200990 TUNAGODS 3 3883681 Thank You!!!! Thank You!!!!!! Thank You!!! I just ordered 6 bottles. I can't believe it's true!!! Sat Jul 19 12:59:19 -0700 2008 3791136 68673 Marasarj 4 3883912 Email from the owner of TexasBest. Here's the string> Bob, You are correct. It is the pre-Marzetti recipe. It is the family recipe we started making in our home kitchen in 1977, delivering to one small local grocery store. Now 30 years later we are back making it again, only this time not on the kitchen stove. Please let me know what you think once you have tried it. Best Regards, Reed Smith Texas Best Foods, LLC www.texasbestbarbequesauce.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Marasa [mailto:marasa@comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 3:43 PM To: reedsmith@texasbestbarbequesauce.com Subject: The Real Texas Best!!????? HI Reed, Before I order I just want to be sure this is the same Texas Best I grew to love in the early 80's. Marzetti changed it too "the original rib style". Not even close and way too sweet and not spicy. I miss the original so much. Please assure me. Thanks, Bob Sat Jul 19 15:10:44 -0700 2008 3883681 68673 Marasarj 5 3948725 Yes, yes! I talked to both Reed and his father today. I ordered 3 bottles over the internet. . After eschewing the dozens of cheap & expensive concoctions all made of the same 4 ingredients (tomato paste, corn syrup, vinegar & pepper) for 12 years, the "Original Recipe" is back. . Thank GOD. The best thing Marzetti ever did was to sell the brand back to the original owners. Finally, I can cook chicken on the grill again. Mon Aug 11 18:08:34 -0700 2008 3883912 217608 NaiveTexan 6 4423716 Dont be in such a hurry, I am experience more than major issues with this company. I placed an order on their site and nothing!!! I have email and called several times have received one return phone call and still nothing no tracking number...zip!!! I cant even tell you how disappointed I am. Do yourself a favor...as great as it was I doubt the way I have been serviced that they can delivery the once great sauce we have all came to love. I am more than frustrated with them and no one is helping there. Do yourselves a favor and go to trader joes and pickup TJ Kansas City Barbeque sauce it is what I have been using ever since Texas Best was sold. I am yet to see my order after 4 weeks and near zero interaction from the new resurrected company. Once any a major major disappoint and I was so closed to getting the product. If this is the way they run the business it wont last. In the meantime check out the new standard at Trader Joes...I was more than surprised as well as blown away. It isnt too sweet, great tangy and just the right amount of smoke you will thank me...TJ KC BBQ sauce is my new King...unless of course the guys at Texas Best can get their act together and deliver. Also one note...they are still working on getting the old sauce recipe so it might not be the same as it was...my greatest fear! And I certainly hope they dont cut corners! Mon Feb 16 21:29:51 -0800 2009 3948725 265040 ejeckert 7 4507380 Ya, I ordered a case Dec. 20-2008 (about three months ago) and still waiting....I got one response like you .....in business I learned a one key to success is to Communicate\Follow Though....thats two stikes.... I`ll give it another week-if nothing-I guess I`ll have to give my credit card co. a call...... Sun Mar 15 15:02:20 -0700 2009 4423716 21049 dgpeer 1 4718969 article in today's Austin American Statesman says they are back in business http://www.austin360.com/food_drink/content/food_drink/stories/2009/05/0527foodmatters.html Wed May 27 10:37:31 -0700 2009 1689596 95754 Honey Bee 2 4955409 For what it's worth, I sent an email to the address on their website, asking if they are in business, and didn't get a reply. Tue Aug 18 06:51:03 -0700 2009 4718969 62480 paul_bklyn 3 4974812 I am the founder. If you have a problem, call me. Alen R Smith 561 395 2885 Mon Aug 24 21:38:24 -0700 2009 4955409 67211 alensmith 1 5164191 I stopped in this place today in Elgin Tx right outside Austin and they had a sauce that you might like..I did not try it from the bottle but I did try the freshely made version they were serving and it was not sweet at all...Here is the website where they sell there Bar B-Q Sauce..You can try it to see.. http://www.southsidemarket.com/index.html Sat Nov 07 18:27:47 -0800 2009 1689596 1122622 sara31tx