Sweet and Tangy Blueberry BBQ Chicken Pizza #SundaySupper

We have an abundance of blueberries at our home. I have been buying them left and right trying to stock our freezer for the winter months that are sure to be here before I know it.  The blueberries add great color, sweetness and a touch of flavor to this fun BBQ sauce.

I have always been a fan of BBQ Chicken Pizza.  My family, on the other hand, not so much.  Well, sometimes I decide to make it anyways and they can eat it or leave it.  I guess I was having a mean Mom moment.

I made it and they ate it.  I loved my version of Blueberry BBQ sauce.  It is sweet and tangy, just like I like my BBQ sauce to be.  The blueberry is subtle but it adds great color to the sauce.  To enhance the blueberry flavor, I tossed some fresh blueberries on the pizza.  This made for a gorgeous presentation. I even got an "ooh-ahhh" from the kids.  I like that.

The Blueberry BBQ Sauce recipe will make more than you need but I can tell you that added to some chicken sliders is a great way to use the left over sauce.  

You are in for a real treat with this weeks Sunday Supper recipes because they are all BBQ related.  Scroll to the bottom of this post and you will find links to each one.

I recently shared our gluten free pizza crust that is also featured in the pictures that are posted in this post.   If you need a gluten free pizza recipe I would suggest you give this one a try.  The recipe can be found here with step by step pictures.

Sweet and Tangy Blueberry BBQ Chicken Pizza
Makes one pizza

1 pizza crust (homemade or store bought) (gluten free version here)
1 batch of Blueberry BBQ Sauce (recipe to follow)
2 cups of cooked chicken pieces
2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 handful of arugula leaves
1/2 cup fresh blueberries, add more if you want

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

1.  Pre-bake pizza crust for 6-8 minutes.

2.  Remove from oven and add BBQ sauce, cheese, chicken pieces, blueberries and arugula.  Return to oven and bake until cheese is melted--about 10 more minutes.

3.  Slice and Serve.  Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Makes about 2 cups, you will have leftovers

1 cup fresh blueberries
1 1/4 cups ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons molasses
1/2 teaspoon jalapeno-garlic oil (optional)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons minced red onion

1.  Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan.  Turn heat to medium and bring to a boil. Using a potato masher or back of a spoon, mash blueberries into sauce.  You should still see pieces of blueberry just not whole berries.

2.  Turn heat down to low and let simmer for 30 minutes to thicken.  Depending on stovetops, it may take more or less time to achieve the desired thickness.  It will also thicken as it sits in the refrigerator if you do not use it right away.

3.  Store leftover sauce in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Beverages

• Best Wines For A Summer BBQ Party from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
• Grilled Peach and Cinnamon Whiskey Sour from Peaceful Cooking
• How To Make Fresh Squeezed Lemonade from Life Tastes Good
• Pineapple Margaritas from The Messy Baker
• Stone Fruit Sangria from Because I Like Chocolate
• Strawberry Lemonade from Basic N Delicious

Appetizers

• BBQ Stuffed Calimari from Jane’s Adventure in Dinner

Sides and Accompaniments

• Cucumber Salad with Blackberry Browned Butter Vinaigrette from Nik Snacks
• Easy Fruity Salad from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter from The Redhead Baker
• Jacques’ Cucumber Salad with Onions from Food Lust People Love
• Mango Peanut Slaw from The Texan New Yorker
• Mom’s Classic Macaroni Salad from Webicurean
• Roasted Strawberry BBQ Sauce from Bobby’s Kozy Kitchen
• Two Tomato Chutney from What Smells So Good?

Main Dishes

• Asian-Style Pasta with Gochujang Peanut Sauce from Wallflour Girl
• Barbecue Ribs from girlichef
• BBQ Stuffed Peppers from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Bistecca from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Competition Baby Back Ribs with Apple-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Grilled Clams with Chorizo from Noshing With The Nolands
• Grilled Sanma from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Basil from Nosh My Way
• Grilled Swordfish and Eggplant with Fusilli and Tomatoes from Cooking Chat
• Grilled Wings from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Lemon Oregano Spatchcock Chicken from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Mango Beef Kebabs from Curious Cuisiniere
• Steak Skewers with Chimichurri from Jelly Toast
• Sweet and Tangy Blueberry BBQ Chicken Pizza from Simply Gourmet

Desserts

• Amazing S’mores 7-Layer Bars from Flavor Mosaic
• Banana Pudding Pie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Blackberry Cake from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Blueberry and Raspberry Galette from Rhubarb and Honey
• Farm Stand Blackberry Buckle from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Grilled Peach Crumble from Try Anything Once Culinary
• Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cream and Sweet Balsamic Syrup from La Bella Vita Cucina
• Hot Fudge Ice Cream Pie from Melanie Makes
• Lemon Ricotta Bars from The Foodie Army Wife
• Old Fashioned Sour Cherry Pie from Pies and Plots
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• S’mores Chocolate Cookie Cups from Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.Written by Sherron Watson

10 Things we Bring when Camping with Baby and Asian Style Drumsticks

When I first met Cory I camped four times in my life.  I remember vividly going camping with my Dad over a short weekend with my sisters.  I went once with our 5th grade class in California with Mr. Zimmerman.  The last two times were with my uncle, aunt and cousins.

My Mom loathed getting dirty or having us dirty in any shape or form.  Dirt was not something we were ever encouraged to play in or be around.  I can't say it bothered me because I didn't know, at the time, how much fun it was to get dirty and muddy.

26 years of marriage has allowed me plenty of time to get dirty, muddy and enjoy camping.  My kids have a love/hate relationship when it comes to camping.  They love the experience of being in camp, camp food, camp hikes, canoeing and Smore's.  What they don't enjoy is the process of setting up and breaking camp down.  There are times I don't like it too..LOL

I think we have a pretty good system camping. We have learned a lot along the way.  Last weekend we took Finnley on her second overnight camping trip.  Sleeping in our trailer was much better than a tent.  Our bed's soft mattress  is more comfortable than the hard ground to sleep on. Much of the noise from outside was silenced by the canvas walls.

I can't say I had a perfect night sleep but she is becoming more adjusted to the idea each time we take the family camping.  She is our only baby, so far, that has not adjusted to having her schedule disrupted.  My other three kids had no problem sleeping in strange places, at different hours and with odd noises.

During the day Finnley is a gem.  She goes with the flow.  We bring a few things along that help us to keep her busy and entertained.  These items also free up your hands when I am trying to unload the car, make dinner or set up the trailer.  I found that this variety of items keeps her happy too.  I have included a few other items that are a must for our "home-away-from-home" excursions.

Keep in mind that Finnley is 8 months old.  My list is designed for babies that are between 5 months and 1 year of age.  Take your babies age and abilities into consideration when packing the car full of baby equipment.

1.  Port-a-crib is a requirement for us.  If nothing else can fit in the car but this, we bring this.  It allows us to put her down, contain her without worry, keeps her off the dirt and provides a place for her to safely sleep.

2.  Stroller's are optional but with Finnley we are learning that she will fall asleep on a walk in her stroller and this provides us a place for her to nap.  We brought the small umbrella stroller the first time and I felt bad that she was all hunched over while napping.  This last trip we brought the big-kahuna with us and she was a happy camper.  We actually got a nap in..YAY!

3.  Table high chair is a new purchase and I love it. We had one with our older kids and thought we could live without it--we can't.  I came home after our first trip and ordered the one you see in the picture.  It was awesome and she loved eating at the table with the family.

4.  Backpack (not pictured) was another easy to pack item that came in handy on our hike.  The stroller can't always go into the woods or on the trails.  She was able to snuggle right in and take a nap while we walked around the park.  Can you tell naps are an important part of her day, and mine too.

5.  Bug spray and Sunscreen is a requirement in Maryland.  The ticks and mosquitos are relentless when we are camping.  I try to buy the safest products I can for our family.  Bug spray with Deet is a must.  Lyme disease is a big problem on the east coast.  We take extra precautions of not applying it to her skin, we apply it to our hands and wipe it on her clothes.  We remove her clothes before she sleeps and wash her skin.  Please do your own research and make the best call for your family.  This is what works for us and our pediatrician has approved this method.

6.  Bottles and food.  I keep a plastic tub with all of Finnley's kitchen items stored together.  This insures that everyone at camp knows exactly where her stuff is.  I keep her favorite crackers, teething cookies, formula, Ella food bags, spoons, bowls, bibs, bottles, bottle brush and formula in one dollar store bucket.  I know it sounds like a lot and now you can see why I try to keep it all together.  I bring enough fresh bottles to last the stay of the trip (1-2 days) OR I boil water and sterilize them at camp.  I do this on longer stays.

7.  Blankets and bedding are pretty simple.  I bring a fresh blanket for each day.  I have learned that the blankets can get really dirty from unexpected encounters with tire swings, canoe rides, hiking trails, baby barf (it happens), drool and smoke from the fire.

8.  Clothes.  Always pack more than you think you will need.  Plan on layering your babies clothes.  Even the hottest day can have a cool evening.  Or sitting by the fire can feel warm and then you walk away and the air is chilly-nilly-willy.  <--thats cold!  Water.  Oh the joy of the unexpected deluge of water that kids find, even babies.  Sippy cups have a tendency to make the front of them quite wet.  Then I have the bug spray issue.  Sleeping is another set of clothes.  Diapers that like to explode at the most inopportune times.  So, yeah--pack a few extra changes of clothes.

9.  Toys are not required but it sure is nice when they have something that is familiar to them to hold and play with.  We have even purchased a few new things as an added element of surprise.

10.  Patience and realistic expectations.  This one is for Mom and Dad.  Camping with babies is fun. It is also tiring.  I find it nice to camp with other families.  This allows for many helping hands to keep babies happy.  We have four kids with a wide gap in ages and so I know that Finnley and I will not be able to do everything that is planned.  I do my best but I stay flexible.

I hope this helps when you decide to go camping with your little guy or girlie.  We love taking our kids into the wilderness and introducing them to the sites and sounds.

If you have any other suggestions, please leave them in the comment section for everyone to read.  As our kids get older our needs change and sharing what we have learned helps all of us that love to camp.

I will say that camping with kids, in general, is a ton of fun but Mom's get tired real fast.  I know this about myself so when it comes to the meals I try to keep things simple.  REAL SIMPLE.

These drumsticks are a family favorite.  I make them at home the night before and let them marinate until I am ready to grill them in camp.  I bought a new grill to go with our new tent trailer (well, new to us).

 DO YOU WANT TO SEE IT?  GO HERE

Our friends own this model of grill and I am really glad we bought it.  It is made by Coleman.  I like the fact that I can change out the grill tops for a griddle and a burner top.  I bought the coffee percolator too.  Kids, mommies need their coffee in the morning.  I keep our meat in a small cooler separate from the other food items.  I find that the our main cooler is opened a bajillion times through out the day. By placing the meat in its own cooler I can guarantee that it stays cold the hold day.  This little red cooler does the trick. (see pictures below)

I use heavy duty freezer bags to store the marinating meat in.  Storage bags will work but they are a bit thinner.  I have also used storage containers but I like the bags because when I am done I can throw it away and not have to wash ONE. MORE. DISH.

I love my little food tents.  I bought these for $1.00 at the Dollar store a few years ago.  They are great for keeping bugs and little fingers out of the food until you are ready to devour your delicious meal. My kids are always extra hungry when we camp so I make extra food.

Asian Style Drumsticks

Makes 15-18 drumsticks, large family pack

1 large family pack chicken drumsticks
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce, use gluten free if you need too
1/4 cup Oyster Sauce
1-3 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (spicy)
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1/2 cup chopped green onion

1.  Combine everything in a large freezer bag or container.

2.  Marinate overnight or longer.  I have let it sit for 24 hours in my cooler.

3.  Spray grill with your favorite nonstick spray.  Cook drumsticks until firm to the touch.  Every grill is different so cook times will vary.

4.  Store leftovers in cooler or refrigerator.

Written by Sherron Watson

Slow Oven Baked Ribs

Ribs are one of our favorite dinners to eat all year round.

I usually make our ribs on the BBQ grill outside.  Now that the weather is getting cooler and I don't really want to be heading outside,  I decided to make this batch inside.

I bought 3-4 pounds of ribs, coated them with sauce and prepared to let them cook for a few hours.

They turned out delicious!

The meat was tender and falling off of the bone.

I used my homemade BBQ sauce but you can easily choose your favorite brand.

ENJOY!

Recipe: Slow Oven Baked Ribs

3-4 pounds of pork ribs
1-2 cups of BBQ sauce (recipe below)


Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Toss ribs and sauce together.

Place in a baking pan, cover with foil.

Allow ribs to cook for 3 to 4 hours.

If you would like to have a "grilled" look, then uncover ribs and broil for a few minutes, turn and broil again on the other side.  I personally like the bit of charred flavor that is added to the ribs by broiling them for a few minutes.

Brush with more BBQ sauce or eat them as is.


Recipe:  Homemade BBQ Sauce


Makes 3 cups of sauce, after simmering for an hour

1.5 cups of ketchup
1/2 cup of tomato sauce
1 cup of red wine vinegar
1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1/4 cup of honey
1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons mustard powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons hot sauce
1/8-1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke (start with less and add more based on your taste)


Combine all of the above ingredients into a medium size pot.  Turn heat to medium high and bring sauce to almost a boil, bubbles around edges.  Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally.

You will start to notice your sauce getting deeper in color, thicker and reducing.  This is what you want.

Sauce is good up to 2 weeks.


    

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

What is not to love about BBQ pork sandwiches?

I always find room in our summer schedule to make this at least once.  

WHY?

Two reasons.

First, it is a great way to use up my extra BBQ sauce that I had made for something else like BBQ chicken legs or ribs.

Secondly, it feeds a crowd.  Our summers are busy and we find ourselves with friends and family over on the weekends.

The last thing I want to do is spend my time in the kitchen when I have my family in town.  I would rather be shopping, talking, laughing and playing games.

I add the pork and the BBQ sauce to the crockpot, set the temperature and I am set for the day or a few hours. 

Easy, simple and always a crowd pleaser.

Along with making the pork and coleslaw, I made some gluten free flat bread for those of us that are trying to stay wheat free.

I used a cookie cutter to cut them into the shape of a bun.  The bread held up remarkably well despite the juices from both the coleslaw and pulled pork. I was impressed.

  

Wether you use gluten free bread or regular buns, coleslaw or no slaw, eat one or two, serve for dinner or lunch…this meal is easy, simple and always makes great left overs.


Recipe:  BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
makes 6-8 very full sandwiches

2 pound pork roast
1 cup of BBQ sauce, I use my homemade version (recipe below)
8 buns
coleslaw, optional

BBQ Sauce:

Makes 3 cups of sauce, after simmering for an hour

1.5 cups of ketchup
1/2 cup of tomato sauce
1 cup of red wine vinegar
1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1/4 cup of honey
1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons mustard powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons hot sauce
1/8-1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke (start with less and add more based on your taste)

Combine all of the above ingredients into a medium size pot.  Turn heat to medium high and bring sauce to almost a boil, bubbles around edges.  Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. 

You will start to notice your sauce getting deeper in color, thicker and reducing.  This is what you want.


NOTE:  I use two cups for BBQ chicken legs or ribs and save 1 cup aside to make this recipe a few weeks down the road.  

In a crockpot, add your 1 cup of sauce and pork roast.

Set temperature to high and let cook for 3-4 hours. If you wish to cook this on low you can, it will take 8-10 hours.

When  the meat is done, meat will PULL apart easily.  Continue to pull pork apart into bite size pieces and mix into the sauce so that every piece is covered.

Serve pork immediately or refrigerate for later use.

We add coleslaw to our sandwiches and the recipe can be found here.

Homemade BBQ Sauce

2020 Update: With the stay-home policy set in place, I am cooking a lot from scratch. I made this today and it is still just as good as when I made it many years ago. I did double my batch and this required me to adjust some of the seasonings, so if you double the batch, you will also want to increase the seasonings to your flavor preferences. 


Memphis, Carolina, Hot, Sweet, Spicy, Mustardy….all words to describe one sauce:  BBQ.

I found this great link to learn more about some of the top flavors of preferred sauces.  LOOK HERE.

Making my own sauces from scratch is something I enjoy doing.  When it comes to salad dressings, marinades and dips, fresh sauces always taste better to me.  If they sit for a few days that flavor gets even better with time.

This bbq recipe I have been making for our favorite BBQ items for a long time now.  I use it on chicken and ribs.

Over the years it has been modified with a few tweaks here and there based on what I have had on hand.   This is the beauty of cooking from scratch, you never get bored because your imagination with flavors are always changing and improving based on what you have at your fingertips.

I play this silly game with myself, I imagine walking into someone's home and being asked to cook dinner with what they have…no grocery runs, borrowing from the neighbors or sneaking into my purse to retrieve something from my home.

Just me and their ingredients.  Oh the fun that I would have and the challenge it could be.

Back to the recipe…LOL  I get easily distracted.  Okay here you go.

This recipe today, I have made several times the exact same way, that last few months.  I really wanted to TEST this recipe so that it was perfect.  My family believes it is.

If I had to label the flavor, I would lean toward a Memphis style.  It has the twang of vinegar and a little bit of a sweet touch.

It works so well with the mild flavor of chicken and pork that I often have to put a small bowl on the table for my family and friends to add more to their plates.  They always want MORE.

With this sauce, more is better.  It cooks nicely to the meat and creates a rich reddish brown coating.   I also love the tips of my meat to get charred…I love that slight touch of a burnt BBQ flavor in some of my bites.

Yes, it's a weird thing but I also grew up with my Mom eating burnt toast….it must be in our DNA.  LOL

Recipe:  Homemade BBQ Sauce


Makes 3 cups of sauce, after simmering for an hour

1.5 cups of ketchup
1 cup of tomato sauce
1/3 cup of red wine vinegar
1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1/4 cup of honey
1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons mustard powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons hot sauce
1/8-1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke (start with less and add more based on your taste)


Combine all of the above ingredients into a medium size pot.  Turn heat to medium high and bring sauce to almost a boil, bubbles around edges.  Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally.

You will start to notice your sauce getting deeper in color, thicker and reducing.  This is what you want.

 With your meat prepared, add your sauce to coat.  I will use our chicken legs as an example.

Make sure your meat is well coated.

I set my grill at 350 degrees.  I add my coated chicken legs and let each side cook for about 7 minutes.  I add more sauce each time I turn my legs.  This gets the sauce nice and thick on each piece.

TADA…you're done!  Nicely BBQ'd chicken legs or ribs (picture below).