Maple Apple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

2 apples, peeled, cored and diced

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

½ cup maple syrup

½ cup cider vinegar

½ cup bourbon

1 cup chili sauce

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cayenne

In a medium saucepan over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic and apple. Cook until the onions are a golden brown and the apples are quite soft, about 10 minutes.

Add all remaining ingredients, then return to a simmer. Lower the temperature to medium, cover and continue to cook, stirring often, for 30 minutes. Adjust the salt and pepper. Transfer to a blender, in batches if necessary, then puree until smooth. Cool, then refrigerate in sealed glass jars for up to 2 weeks.

Makes 3 cups.

Cook’s note: This thick, tomato-based sauce is a good choice for basting on grilled meats toward the end of cooking.

@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per ¼ cup: 105 calories, 1 g fat (0 saturated), 19 g carbohyrates, 1 g fiber, 0 protein, 0 cholesterol, 803 mg sodium.

Alison Ladman