If you go

The Maryland State BBQ Bash in downtown Bel Air on Friday and Saturday has maxed out at 40 teams, including many of the same ones at the Kent Island contest. First prize is $2,500 and an invitation to the American Royal Barbecue contest in Kansas City, Mo., in October, known by competitors as the World Series of BBQ. Free and open to the public. Information: mdbbq.com.

Dave's Barbecue Sauce

Makes about 5 cups

1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons rubbed sage

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon salt (optional)

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground mace

1 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup clover honey

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 32-ounce bottle ketchup

Combine all of the dry ingredients in a saucepan. Blend in vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Bring mixture to a boil. Stir in ketchup. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Courtesy of Dave Welch

Per tablespoon: 25 calories, trace protein, 0 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 6 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 169 milligrams sodium