Nan's "Gilding-the-Lily" Rib Sauce

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup finely chopped yellow onion

½ cup finely chopped sweet green pepper

1 clove garlic, minced (see notes)

½ cup tomato sauce

½ cup tomato ketchup

1-2 tablespoons light molasses (not blackstrap)

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon Liquid Smoke

Add the olive oil to a medium-size saucepan and place over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add onion and green pepper and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add and stir in tomato sauce and ketchup. Add and stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a low simmer and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Makes about 2¾ cups sauce.

Notes: ½ teaspoon granulated garlic may be substituted for the fresh garlic. Sauce will keep well for at least a week when kept covered and refrigerated.