Texas BBQ Sauce Recipe

16 oz can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar
3 tbs brown sugar
2 tbs onion powder
1 tbs garlic powder
2 tbs Worcestershire sauce
2 tbs brisket drippings (if you have them)
1 tbs coarse black pepper
1 tbs Paprika
1 tbs salt
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
1 tsp chili powder

Combine all ingredients in a heavy sauce pan on the stove
Slowly simmer for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally
Adjust water and/or simmer time to get desired thickness
Serve warm on the side or over the meat, but do *not* use as a baste for the brisket while it’s cooking

Optionally, the onion powder and garlic powder can be substituted with fresh, use 1/2 an onion and 2-3 garlic pods, pureed.  If you choose fresh onion/garlic, I recommend preparing it the day before, chilling it overnight, then reheating the next day – this takes the edge off the fresh garlic and onion and leads to a smoother taste.  Also, since you probably won’t have drippings the day before making the brisket, you can substitute in a teaspoon of Liquid Smoke.