MELI'S SUPER-EASY SWEET SOUR SAUCE

I came up with this recipe last night when I realized at the last minute that we didn't have anything other than catsup to dip the fish sticks in (yes, I said "fish sticks", but it really has been YEARS since the last time we had them!).  I have a go-to sweet sour sauce recipe which I developed a year or so ago, but it takes a little time to peel and mince the garlic, grate the ginger, etc.  So, I came up with a super-jiffy sweet sour sauce that I really love and will definitely make again! From start to finish, it takes maybe 10 minutes. So, next time you need a dipping sauce, give this a try!

MELI'S SUPER-EASY SWEET SOUR SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup rice vinegar, unseasoned: if you use other vinegars it will be too strong

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup catsup

2 TBS soy sauce

1/4 tsp garlic powder

2-3 TBS cornstarch, depending on how thick you want it

1/4 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a medium sauce pan, heat the first 5 ingredients until boiling. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. When first mixture boils, slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Whisk/stir constantly until sauce is thickened and clear (do this over a medium-low heat, just enough to keep it boiling). That's it! dip and enjoy!

NOTE:  If there are leftovers, store in a covered container in frig.  Will keep for several weeks.