Novel Reference: Left Behind, Chapter 1
Get ready to add a little sweet heat to your life with this irresistible Apricot Chipotle Sauce! Imagine a sun-drenched apricot grove meeting a smoky chipotle pepper at a backyard barbecue—the result is pure magic in a jar. This sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and spicy, with just the right kick to keep your taste buds on their toes. Whether you’re slathering it on grilled chicken or adding a bold twist to your tacos, this playful blend will have you dreaming of endless summer days and flavor-packed feasts. Who knew apricots could bring so much excitement?
Ingredients:
- 5 cups pitted apricots
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large cloves garlic (minced or crushed)
- The peel of 1 lemon, grated or zested
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chipotle pepper powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp coarsely ground white peppercorns
- 1 ½ cups white wine vinegar
Equipment Preparation:
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Prepare your water bath canner by filling it about halfway full with water and place it on the stove on medium heat.
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Prepare your jars by making sure they are clean and hot.
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Wash whole apricots under cold running water; drain. Cut apricots in half lengthwise. Remove pits. Chop apricots to measure 5 cups.
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Peel and finely chop the onion; measure ¼ cup chopped onion.
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Peel garlic and mince.
Make the Apricot Chipotle Sauce:
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Add 1 cup water to a saucepan.
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Add chopped apricots, onion, lemon zest, and garlic to the saucepan.
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Cook over medium-high heat until apricots and onions are tender.
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Puree apricot mixture using an immersion blender.
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Add all remaining ingredients to the apricot puree.
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Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to prevent sticking.
Fill Jars with the Apricot Chipotle Sauce:
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Ladle hot sauce into a prepared jar, leaving ½ inch headspace.
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Remove air bubbles and clean the jar rim.
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Center the lid on the jar and adjust the band to finger-tip tight.
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Repeat this process until all of your jars are full.
Process the Jars of Apricot Chipotle Sauce:
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Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath at sea level (adjust time for your elevation).
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Remove the jars from the water bath.
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Allow them to sit on the counter for 24 hours, then check if they sealed properly. Determine if they sealed properly by checking if the lid center is indented down. If not, place any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and use them right away.
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Place the sealed jars in a cool, dry place and use them within 3 years. After that, the nutritional value decreases.