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Recipe: It’s still blueberry time! Giving blueberries a chance to shine on the grill

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 08/12, 2014 at 08:53 AM

Recipe: It’s still blueberry time! Giving blueberries a chance to shine on the grill

Picking blueberries at Mountainhome Farm in Julian.

Blueberry season can last well into August here in Central Pennsylvania, and you can still find the little blue globes of greatness at farmers markets, farm stands, and pick-your-own farms like Mountainhome Farm in Julian. Blueberries have a lot of things going for them beyond taste, including lots of antioxidants.

Most people think of blueberries as a dessert food, but blueberries can be a star in savory recipes, such as salads and meat dishes. I have found that blueberries go well with meats such as pork and chicken. With this in mind, this recipe for grilled chicken thighs with honey blueberry sauce is a good introduction to the idea of blueberries as part of an entree.

Ingredients:

6 boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, from a local vendor like Beiler Family Farm
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt and fresh-ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce
- 1 cups fresh local blueberries from your favorite source (also works with frozen blueberries)
- Â¼ cup red wine vinegar
- Â¼ cup red wine (may substitute chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons local honey
1 tablespoon fresh finely chopped basil

Steps:

- Fire up grill and preheat grill grids.

- Combine blueberries, vinegar, wine, and honey in a saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until thickened and reduced, about 5 minutes total. Remove from heat; set aside.

- Lightly brush chicken with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on grill cook until no longer pink, about 4 minutes per side (longer if bone-in).

- To serve, spoon blueberry sauce over chicken, goes nicely with a rice pilaf and salad for a wonderful summer meal.

Tags: blueberries | recipe |