Sweet & Smoky Salsa

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 1 hour Process: 15 min.
MAKES: 36 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup soaked mesquite wood chips
• 2 medium onions
• 12 garlic cloves, peeled
• 3 teaspoons barbecue seasoning, divided
• 2 pounds tomatillos, husks removed (about 12)
• 2 pounds plum tomatoes (about 8)
• 6 jalapeno peppers
• 1-1/2 cups cider vinegar
• 1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Add wood chips to grill according to manufacturer's directions.
2. Cut onions in quarters; place in a small bowl. Add garlic and 1-1/2 teaspoons barbecue seasoning; toss to coat. Arrange on grilling grid; place on greased grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat 10-15 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, cut tomatillos, tomatoes and jalapenos in half; place in a large bowl. Add remaining barbecue seasoning; toss to coat. Grill in batches, covered, over medium heat 4-6 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally.
4. When cool enough to handle, chop vegetables. Transfer to a Dutch oven; stir in vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until slightly thickened. Immediately stir in cilantro.
5. Carefully ladle hot mixture into four hot 1-pint jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.
6. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 15 minutes. Remove jars and cool. Yield: 4 pints.

Notes

• Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face. If you do not have a grilling grid, use a disposable foil pan. Poke holes in the bottom of the pan with a meat fork to allow liquid to drain. 
• The processing time listed is for altitudes of 1,000 feet or less. For altitudes up to 3,000 feet, add 5 minutes; 6,000 feet, add 10 minutes; 8,000 feet, add 15 minutes; 10,000 feet, add 20 minutes.

Nutritional Facts
1/4 cup: 49 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein Diabetic Exchanges:1/2 starch