barbecue sauce that speaks with authority

this recipe is taken from the barefoot contessa cookbook with one modification. geoff says it "rocks."

1 1/2 cups chopped onion (1 large onion)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup tomato paste
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup honey (i used dark maple syrup instead)
1 cup dijon mustard
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup worcestershire sauce
1 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

in a large saucepan on low heat, saute the onions and garlic with the vegetable oil for 10 to 15 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not browned. add the tomato paste, vinegar and maple syrup (or honey) worcestershire sauce, mustard, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili powder, cumin and red pepper flakes. simmer uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes. use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

the barefoot contessa cookbook by ina garten ny 1999; page 121.