Claim Company Sauce, the recipe circa 1977

Subject: Burgers, Burgers

Franabanana wrote:

Another feature the Claim Company had was a sauce, I believe they called it Claim Sauce. I have a 1970's era cookbook of Chicago restaurants where they provide signature recipes. One of these is THE sauce from the Claim Company. Of course, the quantity is rather daunting as it makes just over a gallon. However, I will make a batch sometime this year, which we'll have to try.

Cathy, I was just re-reading this thread and saw you mentioned this...I know it's slightly OT but could you post the recipe?! My husband and I LOVE the Claim Sauce and every time we have potato skins anywhere we lament the fact that there's no claim sauce.

Back on topic: My fave burger is still Beinlichs. L.Woods in Lincolnwood has a decent burger as well.

When I agreed to submit this recipe in June, 2005, I never thought it would take this long. I have a few e-mails from people asking for the same who found this interaction via the internet a few years ago. I located the book this evening while looking for something else. I submit an adaptation of the recipe from Chicago Gourmet by Sue Kupcinet and Connie Fish from 1977:

Claim Sauce
(1 gallon)

1 quart Open Pit Barbeque Sauce
3 24-ounce bottles Heinz Ketchup
2 oranges, cut up (including juice and grated rind)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1-1/4 cups white vinegar
1/2 pound brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Simmer all the ingredients for 20 minutes.

Serve cold or hot over hamburgers and steaks.

If someone does make it, I would be interested in your feedback whether this is the sauce, or not.

Regards,