Grilled Pork with Blueberry Barbecue Sauce

If there is one fruit that my kids are obsessed with, it's blueberries. So when I came across this recipe, I knew that I had to give it a try. The original recipe called for salmon, which I think would have been delicious, but I happened to have thin cut pork chops on hand, so I gave it a try. The combination, of sweet and savory was amazing, and even my "I don't like sauce" child gave it a try and liked it! My only complaint with the recipe is that it really didn't make enough ... If I was making it for 4 adults, I think I would double the recipe. But maybe that's just me ... I always like to have a little more than not enough. All in all, this recipe was simple to make and definitely added some unexpected flavor to my rather boring pork chops!

Grilled Pork with Blueberry Barbecue Sauce
adapted from Pink Parsley

Directions:

4 thin cut pork chops (any cut will do)
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry
1/3 cup ketchup
1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1 Tbs balsamic vinegar
2 Tbs brown sugar
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbs grated onion
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
pinch red pepper flakes

Prepare grill to medium-high heat, and let heat.

Season pork with salt and pepper to your liking.

In a medium saucepan, heat the blueberries over medium-low heat until they begin to soften and burst, about 10 minutes. Use the back of a wooden spoon to mash them, then add the ketchup, vinegars, brown sugar, garlic, onion, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.

Whisk well to combine and break up the blueberries, then increase heat to medium. Stirring often, cook until the mixture begins to bubble, then lower the heat to medium low. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened, another 10-20 minutes. The sauce will be thicker and clumpier than traditional bbq sauce.

While sauce thickens, grill pork chops. If using a thin cut chop, it should take 3-4 minutes per side. Thin chops should be grilled hot and fast. Thicker cuts will take a little longer and should be grilled at a slightly lower temperature.

Remove from grill, top with sauce, and serve.

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Sweet and Savory - Grilled Chicken with Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce

Lately it seems like I've been stuck in rut with boring grilled chicken. Sure, I'd add a few different spices or marinades, but it always seemed to be the same boring old chicken. I had a few peaches that were on their way to being way too ripe, so I decided to try my hand at Peach BBQ sauce. As I concocted this recipe, I wasn't even sure it was going to be "blog worthy". I looked at various Peach BBQ sauce recipes, but never really found one that suited all my needs. So I used a recipe that I found on Epicurious as my base and let my experimentation begin ...

I'll be completely honest - the texture scared me. After blending the sauce, the texture looked more like a puree than a bbq sauce. I tried to thin it out a bit (hence the last minute addition of apple juice), but I didn't want to sweeten it too much or dilute it with water. But rather than toss my creation, I let it chill in the refrigerator until dinner time.

After chilling for a few hours the sauce seemed even thicker, so I did end up thinning it with about 1/4 cup of water. However, it still had fairly thick consistency. I decided to leave it be and try it out on the chicken.

Well, somewhere along the way, something went incredibly right! We basted the chicken with the sauce just prior to finishing it up the grill. I loved that chicken had the smokey taste from the grill, and the sweet taste of the sauce.It was probably one of the best variations of boring grilled chicken we've had in quite some time. And surprisingly simple!

Grilled Chicken with Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce
Inspired by Gourmet Magazine via Epicurious.com
serves 4

* 4 chicken breasts (seasoned with salt and pepper to taste)
* 1 pound fresh peaches
* 3/4 cup sweet onion, chopped
* 1 tablespoon canola oil
*1/4 cup cider vinegar
*1/4 cup bourbon (I didn't have bourbon, so I bought 1 mini bottle and it was the right amount)
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 and 1/2 tablespoons honey
* 1 and 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon brown sugar
*1/4 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:
For sauce:

With a vegetable peeler, peel peaches and chop coarsely.

In a medium size sauce pan, cook onion and a pinch of kosher salt in oil over medium heat. Cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Add peaches and remaining ingredients, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until peaches are very tender, about 30 minutes.

Puree in blender (please use caution when blending hot substances). If consistency seems too thick, add 1/4 cup apple juice (water may be substituted).

Sauce can be made three 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Re-heat over medium to warm the sauce.

For chicken:

Heat grill to medium heat.

Season both sides of chicken with fresh ground pepper and kosher salt.

Grill chicken over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side. Just before chicken is finished, generously brush both sides with the Peach BBQ Sauce. Grill each side for an additional 2-3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

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