Apple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

    

Summertime is in the air!  In honor of barbeque season, here's a unique sauce recipe for you to try. The best part?  You can make this up to 2 weeks ahead~

     This is terrific on pork, but who am I to stop you from being creative ~ feel free to share what YOUR favorite bbq sauce is. 

Apple Bourbon Barbeque Sauce

2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 C diced sweet onion
3/4 C coarsely grated peeled apple (preferably a firm, sweet-fleshed variety such as Rome Beauty)
3 Tbsp. bourbon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 C ketchup
1/2 C distilled white vinegar
1/2 C cola
1/2 C brown sugar
6 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. molasses
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.  Add onion to skillet and sauté for 4 minutes.  Add grated apple, bourbon, salt, cayenne, cinnamon and cumin and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside. 

In a large non-reactive saucepan, add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add apple mixture and stir well.  Simmer for 2 additional minutes and remove from heat.  After cooling, transfer to a tightly covered jar or plastic container and store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.