Date Barbecue Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp tomato paste
2 cups whole Italian tomatoes, pureed in a blender
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup honey
1 tbsp dijon mustard
3 dates, pitted and chopped
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

1. Heat the oil in medium sauce pan over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cayenne, and cook for 1 minute.  Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
2.  Add the tomatoes, vinegar, juice, honey, mustard, dates, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.  Lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until thickened.  Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper.
3. Place in a food processor or blender in batches and process until smooth.  Use right away or cool and store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in freezer for up to 2 months.

Source:  Eat Well Feel Well by: Kendal Conrad