A Traditional American Basic Barbecue Sauce

Sauces

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion; chopped
2 centiliters garlic; minced
1 1/4 cups catsup
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan and cook the onion and garlic, gently for 10 minutes. Add the catsup, vinegar, Worcestershire, brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne, and mix well. Let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Makes about 2-1/2 cups This sauce has a nice balance of sweet, tart, and spice. Because the sauce contains sugar, it burns easily, and is best brushed on food just during the last 5 or 10 minutes of cooking.