Maine wild blueberry season will be soon upon us, and to celebrate, Real Maine has put together a meal’s worth of wild blueberry recipes (appetizer, entrée, and dessert). These recipes are shared from the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. Visit www.wildblueberries.com to learn where to buy Maine wild blueberries, where to visit Maine wild blueberry farms during Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend (August 5-6, 2023), and for more Maine wild blueberry recipe inspiration. Remember – you can enjoy wild blueberries year-round, fresh or frozen!
Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Wild Blueberries
YIELD: ABOUT 24 SERVINGS
1 cup wild blueberries (fresh or frozen)
4 tbsp olive oil
2 baguettes French bread, 11-12 ounces each, cut into ½-inch slices
8 medium tomatoes (about 6 cups)
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 cloves of garlic, cut in half
2 large shallots, diced
¾ cup chopped fresh basil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp wine vinegar
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Clean and wash tomatoes. Cut into quarters and remove seeds. Cut tomatoes into small cubes.
3. Peel garlic and shallots and finely chop.
4. Wash basil, pick off the leaves and pat dry. Reserve some basil leaves for garnishing and cut remaining leaves into thin strips.
5. Mix tomatoes, minced garlic, shallots, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add vinegar and 2 tbsp olive oil to bottom of bowl and mix everything together. Let stand at least 2 hours.
7. Gently fold in blueberries.
8. Place cut slices of bread on baking sheets. Brush lightly with remaining olive oil.
9. Bake 15 minutes until brown and crispy. Remove from oven and run cut garlic over each slice.
10. Evenly spread tomato/blueberry mixture over bread slices. Garnish with remaining basil and serve.
Chicken Saté with Wild Blueberry Peanut Butter Sauce
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
3 tbsp finely chopped or grated fresh ginger
1 shallot or ¼ cup onion
1 tsp oil
6 ounces water
3 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1½ cups wild blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tsp cornstarch
4 single chicken breasts or 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breast
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Skewers
1. Peel ginger and shallot. Finely dice. Heat oil and briefly sauté both.
2. Add water and peanut butter over medium heat and whisk together.
3. Add blueberries. Mix small amount of water in cornstarch and add to berry/nut sauce.
4. Bring to boil and simmer for about 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Cut chicken breast filets lengthwise into thin strips or use prepared sliced breasts. Flavor with salt and pepper. Put strips in an accordion manner onto a lightly oiled skewer. Heat oil in coated pan and cook the skewers from both sides for 2-3 minutes each. Serve together with blueberry sauce.
Tip #1: You can also cook chicken off skewers, by cutting chicken in bite size pieces, sautéing, and serving with toothpicks on a platter with a bowl of sauce for dipping.
Tip #2: If you want to make a hot blueberry peanut butter sauce, additionally flavor with hot peppers or hot sauce such as Tabasco.
Wild Blueberry and Walnut Blondies
YIELD: 16 BARS
Cooking spray
¾ cup wild blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup plus 2 tsp all-purpose flour
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
6 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup chopped walnuts
Powdered sugar for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Coat an 8X8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray, Set aside.
2. In small bowl, gently stir together blueberries and 2 tsp of flour to coat berries. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, whisk together sugar and egg until light yellow in color, about 1 minute. Add melted butter and vanilla extract and whisk to combine. Add remaining 1 cup flour, along with baking powder, and stir with a spoon or spatula until thoroughly combined. Stir in walnuts.
4. Spread batter evenly in prepared baking pan. Sprinkle top with blueberries.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and center is set. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting.
6. Garnish by sprinkling with powdered sugar, if desired.
Real Maine is the state’s official agriculture and agritourism promotions program. From raspberries to blueberries to ice cream sundaes, plan your Real Maine summer agricultural experience. Visit www.RealMaine.com to connect to farms, food, and agriculture throughout Maine.
