A special thank you to Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance for their generous support in providing complimentary activities and lodging, which made this incredible journey and post possible. All opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. #FLX #FLTA

Embark on a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of the Finger Lakes region right to your dinner table. This recipe features a sweet and tangy apple butter BBQ sauce, expertly slathered atop succulent pork tenderloin, grilled to perfection. It’s an easy yet elegant dish that promises to impress, whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or hosting guests.

Discovering the Charms of the Finger Lakes Region, New York

My family recently embarked on an epic 30-day road trip, a journey that led us through some of the most picturesque landscapes and captivating destinations across the country. Among our most cherished stops was the breathtaking Finger Lakes Region of New York. This area, known for its pristine lakes, rolling vineyards, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene, exceeded all our expectations and left us yearning for a return visit. For those planning a trip, I highly recommend consulting the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance; their expertise can help craft an unforgettable itinerary. You can also follow our detailed trip experiences on Travel Parent Eat, where individual posts about our Finger Lakes adventure will be shared soon.

Our time in the Finger Lakes was a magnificent blend of delightful flavors, engaging educational experiences, and boundless opportunities for family fun. Every day brought a new discovery, painting a vivid picture of Upstate New York’s diverse offerings.

Unforgettable Family Adventures in Finger Lakes

The region is a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions, each offering a unique insight into history, science, and the sheer joy of play. We made memories that will last a lifetime, immersing ourselves in the local culture and natural beauty.

The Strong National Museum of Play: A World of Imagination

Our visit to The Strong National Museum of Play was an immersive journey into the history and psychology of play. This incredible institution offered something for everyone, from scaling indoor rock walls and exploring life-sized replicas of our favorite childhood storybook settings to marveling at a vibrant butterfly exhibit. We battled it out on Dance Dance Revolution, challenged each other in vintage video games, and even had a blast pretending to be grocery store checkers at a mini-Wegman’s supermarket setup. It was a truly dynamic environment that celebrated the importance of play in all its forms.

Comfort and Hospitality at Country Inn and Suites

After exhilarating days, we found a welcoming retreat at the Country Inn and Suites. The complimentary breakfast was a perfect start to our mornings, and the warm cookies at check-in were a delightful touch. The kids especially loved unwinding in the lovely indoor pool, making it a comfortable and enjoyable stay for the whole family.

Innovations and Discoveries at the Rochester Museum and Science Center

The Rochester Museum and Science Center proved to be a fascinating educational hub. My children unleashed their inner engineers, designing devices to hold sensors in a wind tunnel simulation, mimicking a tornado. We were captivated by a spectacular musical production featuring Tesla coils and dazzling lightning displays. They also learned about the ingenious workings of the Erie Canal locks by riding bikes to generate power for lights. This museum truly ignited a passion for science and technology in a fun, interactive way.

A Sweet Dive into History at the JELL-O Gallery

The JELL-O Gallery offered a wonderfully whimsical look into the history of this iconic, wobbly dessert. It was surprising to discover the numerous flavors JELL-O once boasted, including coffee and chocolate! The museum displayed a vibrant collection of relics from JELL-O’s colorful past, making for a nostalgic and delightful visit that entertained both adults and children.

Relaxation and Comfort at Holiday Inn Express Geneva Finger Lakes

Our stay at the Holiday Inn Express Geneva Finger Lakes was marked by ultimate comfort and convenience. We enjoyed late-night pancakes and a hearty breakfast, providing the perfect fuel for our daily explorations. The inviting indoor pool was a huge hit, allowing for relaxing dips after our busy days. It truly was a place where we could sleep soundly and recharge.

Harvesting Fun at Red Jacket Orchards

One of the true highlights of our Finger Lakes adventure was our visit to Red Jacket Orchards. Here, we savored delicious cold-pressed juices, experienced the joy of apple picking, and gained fascinating insights into the operations of a thriving orchard. We were particularly impressed by their diverse range of cold-pressed juices and wished we lived closer to the Northeast so we could regularly purchase their amazing lemonade and other fresh concoctions from our local grocer. This visit truly connected us to the agricultural heart of the region.

Charming Encounters at Lively Run Goat Dairy

Our stop at the Lively Run Goat Dairy was an absolute delight. We had the chance to feed the friendly goats and indulged in a wonderful tasting of their artisanal cheeses. It was a charming experience that showcased the region’s commitment to quality local produce and craftsmanship.

Nature’s Embrace at Cheerful Valley Campground

For a dose of rustic charm and relaxation, we spent a wonderful time at the Cheerful Valley Campground. Our cozy camping cabin provided the perfect base for swimming, playing on the playground, and enjoying classic campfire activities like roasting hot dogs and making s’mores under the stars. It was a refreshing break amidst nature.

A Historic Cruise on the Colonial Belle

Our journey on the Colonial Belle offered a unique perspective on the storied Erie Canal. We learned about its rich history and marvelled at the engineering of the various bridge types spanning the canal. It was an educational and scenic cruise that deepened our appreciation for this vital waterway.

Red Jacket Orchards: A Culinary Inspiration

The Finger Lakes region truly captured our hearts, and we could have easily spent all 30 days of our road trip exploring its endless attractions. It’s an ideal destination for families, offering a perfect balance of fun, education, and natural beauty. While every stop was memorable, Red Jacket Orchards stood out as a particular favorite, providing not just an experience but also the inspiration for today’s featured recipe.

Red Jacket Orchards is a testament to dedication and passion, a family-owned and operated business that prides itself on growing a stunning array of fruits including apples, berries, currants, plums, cherries, and peaches. They even boast the largest apricot orchard on the East Coast! Their Farm Store is a veritable cornucopia of fresh produce, their renowned cold-pressed juices, and a fantastic selection of pantry items. During our visit, I had the privilege of touring their juicery, witnessing firsthand the meticulous process behind bottling their pure, cold-pressed juices. My children delighted in exploring the orchards and picking their own apples, a hands-on experience that connected them directly to the source of their food. Kelli, their insightful Director of Marketing, generously sent us home with an assortment of their incredible pantry goods, including jams, sauces, and, most importantly, their exquisite apple butter – the star ingredient of this recipe.

Crafting the Perfect Apple Butter BBQ Pork Tenderloin

That exceptional apple butter from Red Jacket Orchards was a true revelation! While I love apple butter spread on toast or stirred into oatmeal, I wanted to showcase its glorious flavors in a more unique and savory way. My mind immediately went to my previous Blueberry Chipotle Pork Tenderloin, which was incredibly popular. Building on that success, I decided to create another signature BBQ sauce, this time highlighting the rich, fruity notes of apple butter. Inspired by a recipe found on Tide and Thyme, I added my own creative spin, resulting in a dish that truly surpassed all expectations.

To say this Apple Butter BBQ Pork Tenderloin was delicious would be a massive understatement. The homemade BBQ sauce was a symphony of rich, complex flavors. The natural tartness of the apples harmonized beautifully with the sweet depth of brown sugar and molasses. A subtle hint of harissa introduced a very mild, yet tantalizing, heat that elevated the entire profile to something truly extraordinary. This sauce is so versatile and utterly divine; I’m already planning to use it on grilled chicken next!

On the pork tenderloin, it was an absolute showstopper! A key tip for grilling any meat with a sugar-based sauce is to apply the sauce only during the final stages of cooking. Sugar has a lower burning point than the temperature required to cook pork to a safe internal temperature (my preferred temperature is around 150°F). By brushing the BBQ sauce on at the very end, you achieve those incredible, caramelized flavors without any unwanted charring. This technique ensures a perfect balance of smoky grill marks and glossy, flavorful sauce.

When cooked properly, the result is incredibly moist, succulent pork, generously coated with this vibrant apple butter BBQ sauce, and elegantly garnished with fresh chives. Are your taste buds tingling yet? They should be! The best part? This entire culinary masterpiece comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Yet, its bold, bright flavors and sophisticated presentation also make it a real show stopper for entertaining guests. Prepare to dazzle your family and friends with this simple yet profoundly satisfying dish.

Please note: Our recipe card provides estimated nutrition facts based on averages for the ingredients listed. Different brands, cuts of meat, and produce quality can vary in nutritional content. For accurate dietary information, we recommend calculating your own macros based on the specific products you use for this recipe.