1/4 lb. butter, melted (or butter)
1 c. vinegar
1 c. water
1/2 c. catsup, or 1/2-1 c. tomato juice
2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 lg. onion, grated (onion juice or flakes are better)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 tbsp. dry mustard
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. black pepper
2 bay leaves, crumbled

Combine ingredients in the order listed and mix well. Bring to a sharp boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Swab or brush sauce on surface of meat before it goes into oven and continue basting during baking.

Optional ingredients: 1 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 teaspoon sesame seed or poppy seed, 1/2 teaspoon oregano and celery salt, parsley. Makes enough for 5 pounds of meat.