Next week, we’ll be pulling out our picnic tables and heating up ours grills for Independence Day. l love the festivities this time of year where we can enjoy good food and even better company. Tradition is a huge part of what makes our country unique, especially the food that we eat! While I treasure tradition, this year I dare you to switch up your family’s typical 4th of July menu and add something new…my favorite Blueberry BBQ sauce! Blueberries have many health benefits, but some recent discoveries show that they help improve memory in older adults. You can also freeze blueberries without them damaging their delicate antioxidant and they have a low glycemic index. If you want more antioxidants in your blueberries, a study has revealed that organic blueberries tend to have more. So enjoy these health benefits while adding something special to your traditional BBQ sauce! Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new 4th of July ritual.
BARBECUE SAUCE:
2 T olive oil
1 onion, chopped fine
2 c blueberries
1 small can tomato paste
1 small clove garlic, pressed
½ c cider vinegar
2 T molasses
2 T brown sugar
1-2 tsp tamarind paste
1 T chili powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp cinnamon
SPICE RUB:
2 T ground cumin
2 T ancho chili powder
2 tsp black pepper
4 tsp brown sugar
DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare sauce: Sautee onion in olive oil. Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 25 minutes. Divided sauce between 2 bowls; set aside.
2. Brine pork with 1 ½ T salt, ¾ c sugar, and 1 quart of water for 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to high heat.
4. Coat pork with 4 T olive oil and rub with spice rub.
5. Turn down to medium high and grill, turning to cook about 4 minutes on each of 4 sides.
6. Brush with half of the barbecue sauce, turning frequently, until pork is thoroughly glazed, about 2 minutes more (a meat thermometer should read about 150°F).
6. Set aside and let rest for 5 minutes.
7. Carve crosswise; serve with remaining barbecue sauce.
I hope next Saturday brings you yummy food, health, new family traditions and lots of sparklers. Happy 4th of July from Savor!