Chinese Takeout Style Red Sweet and Sour Sauce

Chinese Takeout Style Red Sweet and Sour Sauce

1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup ketchup
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
1/4 tsp lemon juice (bottled ok)
1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 Tbsp cold water
few drops red food coloring (optional)

Mix vinegar, water, ketchup, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1/2 hour, stirring
occasionally.

Mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 3 Tbsp cold water and add to simmering Sweet & Sour Sauce.
Simmer for another couple of minutes to thicken. Add some red food coloring if desired.

Makes about 3 cups.