Ad Hoc BBQ Goodies
When it carries the name, Ad Hoc, synonymous with the high-quality famous at Thomas Keller’s lauded, family-style Yountville restaurant, you know it will come with good taste and a high premium.
Such is the case with the new Ad Hoc Apple Bacon BBQ Sauce and Ad Hoc Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub, both sold exclusively at Williams-Sonoma.
Recently, I got a chance to try out samples of both — the 13-ounce jar of barbecue sauce, which sells for $16; and the 3-ounce canister of rub, which is $12.
The hubby, aka Meat Boy, smeared the rub on racks of ribs, then brushed on the sauce after they came off the grill.
The thick sauce is Southern-style with a sweet-tangy profile. The fruitiness of the apple sings through, while the bacon adds a bit of smokiness. It’s not super sugary like other barbecue sauces, either.
The rub does lend a nice little kick of spice and heat, tempered by subtle sweetness. It’s essentially a straightforward mix of dark brown sugar, cayenne, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, allspice, salt and garlic. You could actually duplicate it in your own kitchen, especially since the recipe for it is included in the “Ad Hoc at Home” cookbook (Artisan) by Thomas Keller.
The barbecue sauce recipe is not in that book, though. The jar of sauce is not inexpensive, but if you’re not inclined to cook down your own from scratch, then this is a tasty alternative, either for yourself or as a gift for your fave grill-meister.
With the rub, though, you might be better off buying the cookbook instead, especially since the $50 book is now selling for $28.47 on Amazon.com — nearly the price of two cans of rub right there.
After all, you can give a person a barbecue rub for one-time grilling fun. Or you can teach a person to make barbecue rub — and other outstanding Ad Hoc recipes from the book — for a lifetime of deliciousness.
Which is the better value? You be the judge.
More: My Verdict on the Ad Hoc Cake Mixes and Prepared Frostings
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Wednesday, 28. July 2010 7:21
Those products look wonderful! What and interesting BBQ sauce.
Cheers,
Rosa
Wednesday, 28. July 2010 7:25
I always appreciate how honest and thoughtful your reviews are. I think so many bloggers feel that because they are getting something for free they have to do nothing but gush over it so I appreciate that your journalistic integrity comes through. It does seem that there are a lot of Thomas Keller products popping up at Williams-Sonoma lately. Most seem a bit expensive for what they are, but good for a gift.
Wednesday, 28. July 2010 9:33
Although I am not into BBQ sauce this are definitely interesting products…I rather buy the book and have lots of different versions of it…love mix and match
Wednesday, 28. July 2010 10:16
I loves me some BBQ! I already have the other 2 books from Keller but have yet to use it – too intimidating. I might browse through the Ad Hoc one though.
Wednesday, 28. July 2010 13:19
OMG Carolyn!! After eating at Bouchon, I am turning green with envy at the fact that you have Keller’s sauce and rubs right there.
But you have dished out sound advice by telling us that we can make this ourselves. Atta girl!
Onward to flipping through ad hoc
Wednesday, 28. July 2010 13:46
Those ribs look awesome. I have two meat boys over here as well and they will be very, very happy if I made these ribs
Wednesday, 28. July 2010 15:05
I wish I’ve these BBQ splendid product at my food store…wonderful ribs
Cheers,
Gera
Wednesday, 28. July 2010 22:25
A lovely & grand reveiew!!
thanks for introducing us to this product!
Kisses from Brussels!
Thursday, 29. July 2010 0:27
I’ve seen the rub, at Williams-Sonoma. Its looks pretty good.
Thursday, 29. July 2010 3:31
Good quality bbq sauce is hard to come by! Thanks for reviewing these…I’m always looking for something new to pile onto some pulled pork!
Thursday, 29. July 2010 4:20
My husband would be drooling over those ribs! I agree with Joanne quality bbq sauce is hard to come by. We have found a local product we love, but this one looks delicious and I’m always up for trying something new.
Thursday, 29. July 2010 4:40
That is a perfect foodie photo to start your blog post! Wow.
I had no idea Ad Hoc was making products for us to buy! I’ll have to look into it. I have the book, so will take a gander at the rub. As far as BBQ sauces are concerned, this one looks wonderful.
Thanks so much for the tip! I love learning about new things on the market!
Thursday, 29. July 2010 4:48
Great advice on the rub and the book on Amazon Carolyn! One day I would love to dine at Ad hoc
Thursday, 29. July 2010 7:52
I wish I was your neighbour, I am sure I will be on great treat made specially by you! right?
Thursday, 29. July 2010 22:20
Thank you for the tip about the Ad Hoc book being on sale. I ordered it.
New smoker = more BBQ. Life = good!
Friday, 30. July 2010 3:48
BBQ’s are so popular down here in Australia, and every male calls himself an expert on a BBQ too!! LOL… That apple and bacon sauce looks so appealing. Yum
Saturday, 31. July 2010 14:25
I’ve held off on getting that book, not for any particular reason except that maybe I owed my bookcase a rest, but after several generous friends have given me goodies from the book, I can wait no more. This BBQ sauce has put me over the edge.
Wednesday, 12. January 2011 15:30
Carolyn,
I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for visiting foodicle and for your comments. We sincerely appreciate it. Wonderful food-bites you have here.
Cheers,
J Charles S
mrfoodicle
Tuesday, 30. August 2011 5:26
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