Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan except water. Stir, then add water a 1/4 cup at a time. It will be a bit thin and then thicken as it cooks down. [Did you add too much water? You can rescue a thin bbq sauce by simmering on low for an hour or more. Just don’t forget to keep checking the pot on the stove. Burned sauce on the bottom of the pan is no bueno.]

On medium-high-ish heat, bring to a gentle boil, watching the pot so it doesn’t stick or boil over. Then simmer for 20 minutes on low-medium heat.

Taste the sauce. Need it sweeter, saltier or hotter? Start with 1/4 teaspoon of seasoning at a time and let the flavors meld in the pot for a few minutes before adding more. Sauce will get bolder even as it cools so don’t over-season (with heat, especially.)