4 tablespoons corn oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped green pepper

1 can (16 oz) plum tomatoes, drained and chopped

1 cup ketchup

3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano, crushed

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

1. Heat the corn oil over medium heat until hot; add the garlic, onion and green pepper and cook until soft.

2. Add the tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, chili powder, basil. pepper, salt and Tabasco sauce; simmer together for 45 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate, covered, overnight to blend the flavors.

3. Use as a basting sauce on spareribs, hamburgers or steaks.