Best of the West Barbecue Sauce

This sauce has been around for so long that its origin has disappeared into the sunset. It can be used for many things.

1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups white onion, diced
1 1/2 cups catsup
1 1/2 cups bottled water
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup Mexican lime juice
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
3 teaspoons prepared mustard
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup pancake syrup

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Simmer slowly at least 2 hours uncovered. Sauce will become bitter if cooked with a lid.

Makes about 4 cups.