Expert: John Langenfelder - 9/16/2008

Question
I am planning to build a simple BBQ pit in my backyard for butts and ribs. I have the fire barrel, concrete block and some hickory but I am having a hard time finding material for a grill grate. I was thinking about using unpainted expanded metal like is used for utility trailers. Any advice on what type metal I should use? Any advice/tips for making bbq sauce?

Answer
Derek,

Sorry it took a while.  Expanded metal is the way to go but I would order Stainless steel.  You can find it on the internet and I'm sure you can get it locally.  I did a search for expanded metal and did find a plac that sells stainless steel.
http://www.metalsdepot.com/products/hrsteel2.phtml?page=expanded&LimAcc=$LimAcc
It is not cheap but it lasts,  Regular expanded metal will rust on you.

As far as sauces go, here is my "bone-suckin" sauce recipe:

12 oz. Hunts tomato paste
8 oz. Apple cider vinegar
6 oz Honey
3 oz Molasses
4.5 tsp yellow mustard
4.5 tsp Horseradish
4.5 tsp Lemon juice
4.5 tsp Onion chopped
4.5 tsp Garlic chopped
4.5 tsp green bell pepper/cayenne (50/50)
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp Raspberry Jelly
Splash of bourbon
1.5 tsp Paul Prudhomme meat magic seasoning blend
salt and pepper to taste.