1 cup beer

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons of grainy mustard

1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped

2 medium cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 bay leaf

1. Combine the beer, sugar, mustard, vinegar, onion, garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes and bay leaf.

2. This is good with all types of beef; use as a marinade or baste.