THE BUDGET GOURMET

Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Sauce

makes about 3-4 cups
Ingredients:

4 cups blueberries
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (or other)
6-8 tbsp sugar or honey
1/2 cup ketchup
1 onion minced
4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2-3 bay leaves (optional)
2 tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 tbsp molasses
A few shots of Worcestershire sauce, to taste
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Red pepper, cayenne or chipotle chili, to taste

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer on low until thickened.
Great with pulled pork, chicken, turkey, grilled veggies etc.

Variations:

Try using other berries, or even dried fruit like raisins.

Blueberry Bread Pudding

makes about 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 5-6 cups cubed or torned bread
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups milk or half & half
• 1 cup sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• 3-4 cups blueberries
• Butter or other shortening

Method:

1.Mix all ingredients except butter in a bowl.
2.Grease a pyrex (11x17) or other non-stick pan with butter/shortening.
3.Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about an hour or until golden brown.
4.Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream or even blueberry sauce.

Variations:

Use sliced bananas or other kinds of fresh/dried fruits or berries.
Try adding different flavorings.

Copyleft (2010) The Budget Gourmet

Chicken Curry Wraps with Cashews & Currants

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken (or turkey) breast, shredded or chopped coarsely.
• 1 cup mayonnaise or more to taste
• 1 tbs curry powder or to taste
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup currants or raisins, 
• 1 bunch chopped scallions, green and all
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
• Flat bread, tortillas or lavash. 

Method:

1.Combine all ingredients.
2.Chill for at least one hour or more.
3.Add more mayonnaise if salad appears too dry.
4. Serve in a roll up sandwich (LTO optional) with extra curry mayo for dipping on the side.

Variations:

• Add diced apples, fresh grapes or dry cranberries.
• Add diced avocado, celery, hot or sweet diced pepper.
• Make roll-ups with lettuce leaves.
• Make tramezzinis (see picture below).
• Substitute part or all of the mayo with yogurt or sour cream.
• Cook whole chicken breast, thighs or tenders in skillet with a cup or more of chopped onions. Add 1 can unsweetened coconut milk, yogurt or sour cream. Reduce and add 1tbs. cornstarch diluted in a little water. Add rest of ingredients and simmer until thickened. Serve over brown or jasmine rice. For an alternate version substitute curry powder with Thai curry paste. Ginger, lemon-grass and basil can also be included for a more authentic Thai flavor.

Copyleft (2010) The Budget Gourmet