Strawberry BBQ Sauce

As this classic southern staple goes, everyone has their own version, which is special to them.  We know that there are regional differences, but I also think it's important to make versions that suit our families tastes, as well.  Just because tomatoes and I are not on speaking terms (which many of you know), doesn't mean I have to give up enjoying this traditional southern treat.  My challenge was to create a traditional sauce with a non traditional ingredient, strawberries!!!!  Here's what we found, with this being a fruit based sauce, you taste the fruit the moment you dip into it.  It's sweet and tangy, almost like an Asian BBQ sauce.  And it paired well with chicken, red onions and cheese to make a BBQ Chicken Quesadilla (see pic below).  The sauce had a nice balance of savory and sweet, which southerns are quite addicted to.  My hubby suggested adding chili powder to it, which I didn't mean to leave out...oops, but overall, we loved how it turned out!!  And we are very excited about making up a batch of chicken tenders and using it as the dipping sauce.  Please feel free to double this, depending on how many folks you are trying to feed, my batch was small for testing purposes.   

Ingredients (makes 1/2 cup sauce):

1 cup Strawberry Puree

2 T apple cider vinegar

2 T brown sugar

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp dry mustard

1/4 tsp allspice

season to taste (3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp white pepper)

1 T olive oil

In a small saucepan, over med heat bring above ingredients (except olive oil) to a simmer.  Then reduce to low and simmer for about 30 mins.  Add olive oil at end.

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla