Sweet-and-Sour Sauce (Agre Dulce)

2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup catsup
1 teaspoon red-hot sauce (optional)
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 4 tablespoons water

Mix all ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes or until sauce thickens. Serve with fried dumplings, egg rolls or fried shrimps.