Apricot-Ancho Barbecue Glaze

INGREDIENTS

6 strips bacon
1 (200 g) large onion, peeled, diced
1 garlic clove
¾ cup (180 ml) ketchup
1 medium orange, or 3/4 cup orange juice, peeled, halved
10 dates or 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, pitted
¼ cup (60 ml) malt vinegar
2 ancho chiles
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons salt, optional
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup (120 g) fresh apricots, or canned apricots, drained, pitted

DIRECTIONS

1. Sauté the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium heat until almost crisp, about 4 minutes. Add the onions and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 1 minute
2. Add all the remaining ingredients. Simmer until the apricots are soft, about 10 minutes. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Allow to cool slightly.
3. Transfer the sauce to a Vitamix container and secure the lid.
Start the blender at its lowest speed, then quickly increase it to its highest speed, using the tamper to press ingredients toward the blades. Blend for 30 seconds