Smoked Apple Quesadillas

Instructions

1. Make the brine by combining water, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved.
2. Place sliced apples in a vacuum sealer bag and pour in the brine. Seal and refrigerate at least 4 hours. (No vacuum sealer? Use a zip-top bag and brine overnight.)
3. Preheat smoker to 200°F. Remove apples from brine, pat dry, and smoke for 45 minutes.
4. Fry bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon and crumble, reserving the grease in the pan.
5. Sauté red onion in the bacon grease over medium heat until soft. Remove and set aside.
6. Place one tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle half the gouda over the entire tortilla. On one half, layer half the smoked apples, crumbled bacon, and onions. Fold tortilla in half. Brown 1-2 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
7. Repeat with remaining tortilla and fillings.
8. Slice into wedges and serve.