CLOSE TO SWISS CHALET BARBECUE SAUCE

3 cups water
1/4 cup tomato juice
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp granulated sugar
3/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp parsley
1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 bay leaf
6 drops Tabasco sauce
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Pour 3 cups of water and tomato juice into 1 1/2 quart saucepan. Add bouillon cube, paprika, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, basil, parsley, poultry seasoning, thyme, ginger, mustard, onion powder, bay leaf, and Tabasco. Stir well or whisk to mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice.

Mix cornstarch and 1 Tbsp water to smooth paste. Add to mixture and cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes until sauce thickens.

Whisk in oil.

"This recipe appeared in the Toronto Star many years ago as a result of a contest to create a sauce similar to Swiss Chalet's barbecue sauce. Home economist Kay Spicer created the winning recipe."

Anne's note: "Swiss Chalet is a chain of Ontario chicken restaurants. This sauce is brushed on the chicken before cooking and served at the table in small containers to dip the chicken pieces in. - Anne MacLellan

Makes about 3 cups
Source: The Toronto Star