Flank Steak Sandwiches with Apple Barbecue Sauce

1 (1 ½-pound) flank steak
Apple Barbecue Sauce (recipe follows)
6 onion rolls, split
6 tomato slices
Leaf lettuce
Purple onion slices (optional)
Coarsely ground pepper

Place steak in a shallow dish or heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; pour ½ cup Apple Barbecue Sauce over steak. Cover or seal, and chill 8 hours.

Remove steak from marinade, discarding marinade.

Grill steak, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350-400), 5-6 minutes per side or to desired degree of doneness. Do not overcook, though, or meat will be dry and tough.

Cut steak diagonally across the grain into thin strips. Serve on rolls with tomato, lettuce and onion. Drizzle with remaining sauce; sprinkle with pepper.

Yield: 6 servings

APPLE BARBECUE SAUCE


½ cup apple jelly
1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon hot sauce
¼ teaspoon salt

Bring all ingredients to a boil in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20-25 minutes.

Yield: 1 and 1/3 cups

Notes: This is so easy and a nice alternative to hamburgers. Great with potato salad, corn and baked beans.