Apple BBQ Sauce

When the nights start getting a bit cooler and I start reaching for a jacket in the morning as I leave for work, I usually get really excited.  Fall is one of my favorites, with the milder temperatures, changing colors on the trees...  and apples!  This year I've been a bit hesitant to embrace fall, holding the last of the peaches, tomatoes and corn tight.  Until now.

hosted by 5 Star Foodie & Lazaro Cooks!

Thanks to Natasha & Laz, apples are the star of this month's makeover!  As I slowly came around to fall produce and started consuming honeycrisps daily, I started thinking about the challenge.  And thinking.  And drawing blanks.  While I do like to mix things up when it comes to apples, they're usually baked.  Exhibit A: an apple pie with a rosemary crust & gruyere crumble and Exhibit B: an apple pie with a gingersnap crust and bacon crumble.  Even this chilled apple soup is not to be missed.  This time I went savory.

apple bbq sauce, herbed turkey meatballs, cheddar

This time, I made an apple BBQ sauce to accompany some herbed turkey meatballs.  The results were pretty fantastic, and I can't wait to use my leftover sauce!

Apple BBQ Sauce
adapted from the Leftover Queen & Food In My Beard
Yield:  ~2c

1T extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced/pressed
3 apples, peeled, cored & roughly chopped (I used 2 cortland and 1 granny smith)
4 roma tomatoes, cored & diced
1/4c maple syrup
1/4c molasses
1/4c + 1T cider vinegar
2T lemon juice
2T ketchup
1T tomato paste
1T worcestershire sauce
1 chipotle in adobo
1/2t salt
freshly ground pepper, to taste
1t coriander
2t cumin
1t smoked paprika
1t mustard powder

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.  Add onions and saute a few minutes, until they become translucent.  Add the garlic and apples, and stir well.  Continue to cook over medium heat ~5min.  Add the remaining ingredients, stir well and cover.  Simmer for 20-30min, until apples have softened and flavors have had time to marry.  Carefully transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth (could also use a hand blender).  Taste and adjust seasonings, perhaps it might need a little more salt, a kick of some hot sauce, or a little more acid/sugar.

I served this with herbed turkey meatballs and a slice of cheddar, but it would also be fantastic on some pork.

How would you use this apple BBQ sauce?  I have 1c left and need some more ideas!!