Barbecue Sauce, President Jimmy Carter'S Favorite Barbecue Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup diced onion
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced celery
3 cups tomato juice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons dry mustard
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 lemon, zest of
In a Tied Cheesecloth
4 whole cloves
24 whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon rosemary
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram

Preparation

Heat oil add onions and garlic saute' for 2 minutes. Add green pepper and celery saute' for 2 more minutes.Stir in the tomato juice,tomato paste,vinegar,crushed red pepper,dry mustard and brown sugar. Bring to boil stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Add spice bag, cover leaving a small space between the pot and lid to let steam escape. Simmer for 45 minutes stirring often.If you like it thicker,boil it 10-15 minutes more.Remove spice bag. Pour the sauce in a food processor or blender until smooth. This will keep in the frig for 2 weeks covered or freeze.