Benihana Teriyaki Sauce

1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sake (rice wine)
5 teaspoons ketchup
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch dissolved in 1/3 cup of water
1 cup Mirin (sweet cooking sake)
Juice of one freshly squeezed apple or 3 tablespoons apple juice
1 pinch black pepper

Combine first seven ingredients in saucepan and cook for 10 minutes over medium heat. Gradually stir in dissolved cornstarch solution until mixed well. Stir completely before serving. Sauce may be stored in refrigerator for up to one week. Great for steaks or poultry