Recipe: 1948 Original Barbecue Sauce

1948 Original Barbecue Sauce

1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
1 can (14 1/2-ounce) whole tomatoes
1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 fresh celery leaves, chopped
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp molasses
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp hot sauce
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground allspice
2 lemon slices

Saute onion and garlic in butter in a saucepan until tender.

Stir in tomatoes and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes; stir occasionally. Remove and discard bay leaf and lemon slices.

Process mixture through a food mill or in a food processor, if desired.

Use sauce for basting, or serve with chicken.

Yield: 3 cups