Approximately Aurelio's Pizza and Pasta Sauce

Aurelio's sauce has been a family secret since Joe Aurelio opened his first restaurant in Homewood, Illinois, in 1959. Some people call the sauce sweet, but I would describe it as mild and tomatoey. There is some controversy over whether the sauce actually contains beer or not. This is the recipe we have found to be closest to the original. If you don't wish to use beer, a little malt extract will add the same flavor. Thanks to HandsomeG and Gaga at pizzamaking.com for some clues that led me to create this recipe.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 5 cups, about 2-3 pizzas worth

Ingredients

• 1 (29 ounce) can tomato puree
• 12  ounces beer
• 2  tablespoons white sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1  teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 30 minutes.