Wednesday, July 30, 2014

I’ll Be Your Huckleberry

If you ever saw the movie “Tombstone”, you will remember Val Kilmer uttering those words. Going back even further, there may be a few of you who remember that lovable Huckleberry Hound. The saying “I’ll be your huckleberry”, is an expression that says I am the right guy for the job; Val Kilmer is willing to go along with the rest of the guys. 

Huckleberries are a seasonal treat in the mountains, and as we speak, I have a half rack of baby backs in the oven basting in Wild Huckleberry BBQ sauce. This particular treat is based upon a wonderful experience at a gas station at the base of Tioga Pass on the east entrance of Yosemite National Park. The Mobile gas station is a destination for thousands of bikers who are heading into the park, and they brag about the best ribs in the world. Okay, I will bite. The ribs were amazing, and their secret was huckleberry BBQ sauce. Now, I can grab a bottle of this treat any time I like since we are in the huckleberry territory, but huckleberries are amazing for a lot of other things besides BBQ sauce. 



bbq

Here is a sweet treat for you, and if you cannot get fresh huckleberries since they are relatively difficult to get, you can substitute some of those luscious, ripe blueberries that I know you can get your hands on. Huckleberries and blueberries are great kissing cousins. 

Huckleberry Crisps

Huckleberry Crisps

6 tbsp. plus ½ cup sugar
6 tbsp. flour
¼ cup rolled oats
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp. lemon zest plus 2 tsp. lemon juice
¾ tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
4 cups huckleberries or blueberries
2 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. brandy
Crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream, for serving


1. Heat oven to 350°. Place four 6-oz. fluted ceramic ramekins on a parchment paper–lined baking sheet. 

2. In a medium bowl, combine 6 tbsp. sugar, flour, oats, brown sugar, walnuts, lemon zest, ¼ tsp. vanilla, ¼ tsp. salt, and cinnamon. Using your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until crumbly; transfer topping to freezer to let chill for 30 minutes. 


3. In a large bowl, stir together the remaining sugar and salt, lemon juice, and remaining vanilla, along with the huckleberries, cornstarch, and brandy; divide berry mixture between the ramekins. Mound some of the topping over each ramekin. Bake until the berries are bubbly and the topping is browned, 35–40 minutes. Top each crisp with a dollop of crème fraîche, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe courtesy of Saveur

Bears love huckleberries! Hike with a buddy and bear bells. We get these yummy berries mid-August, and they are plentiful along the trails and paths that we hike. 

All these yummy huckleberries and the smell of huckleberry BBQ make my mouth water. 

Here are some more things that will make your mouth water. These goodies are the result of the Christmas in July 2014 countdown.

RSSDesignsInFiber

Purple and Black Crocheted Multi-layer Flower Brooch with Lavender Crystal Beads or Pendant or Applique

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189022879/purple-and-black-crocheted-multi-layer?ref=listing-0


Otto the Little Purple Owl Felt Christmas Ornament
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/Wyverndesigns/7997504/otto_the_little_purple_owl_felt_christmas_ornament/handmade/seasonal/christmas/ornaments


two dot designs

Purple with pink princess crown long-sleeved toddler shirt, 2T - 3T

Large_il_fullxfull.290072941

hollyknittercreations

Hand Knit Old English Letter R Purple Picture Dish Cloth / Wash Cloth

Hand Knit Old English Letter R Purple Picture Dish Cloth / Wash Cloth

SewAmazin

    Penguin with Purple Batik Scarf Gift Card Money Holder Ornament

    Penguin with Purple Batik Scarf Gift Card Money Holder Ornament

    Covergirlbeads

    Purple Lampwork Beads Etched Handmade Opaque Glass Silver 254efs

    Purple Lampwork Beads Etched Handmade Opaque Glass Silver 254efs

    kathisewnsew

    Purple Gold Boho Wrap Bracelet Choker Necklace Hearts Tie-On

    Purple Gold Boho Wrap Bracelet Choker Necklace Hearts Tie-On
    Bluemorningexpressions

    Purple and Gold Glass Bead Bracelet Swarovski Crystal Lampwork Artisan

    Purple and Gold Glass Bead Bracelet Swarovski Crystal Lampwork Artisan
    adorebynat
    Noah's Ark Favor Tags, Personalized
    Noah's Ark Favor Tags, Personalized

    dianesdangles

    Swarovski Crystal Cha Cha Ring Amethyst Purple Sterling Beaded
    Swarovski Crystal Cha Cha Ring, Amethyst, Purple, Sterling, Beaded, 7 3/4 size
    KevsKrafts

    Peace Sign Dream Catcher with Green Peace Beads Handcrafted from Walnut Wood

    Peace Sign Dream Catcher with Green Peace Beads Handcrafted from Walnut Wood

    ShadowDogDesigns

    Purple Lampwork Artisan Handmade Earrings Sterling Beaded Jewelry OOAK
    Purple Lampwork Artisan Handmade Earrings Sterling Beaded Jewelry OOAK

    TheTwistedRedhead

    Purple and Green Beaded Keychain or Purse Charm with Leather Cord

    Purple and Green Beaded Keychain or Purse Charm with Leather Cord
    postcardsintheattic

    Antique Postcard Purple Iris Stenciled Brushed Art "Best Wished" Greeting Card 1910

    Antique Postcard Purple Iris Stenciled Brushed Art "Best Wished" Greeting Card 1910

    PrettyGonzo

    Cloisonne Dangle Earrings, Purple, Silver Birds, Swarovski Crystals

    Cloisonne Dangle Earrings, Purple, Silver Birds, Swarovski Crystals

    Thesingingbeader

    Purple Turquoise Magnesite Chunky Earrings Surgical Steel Ear Wires

    Purple turquoise chunky nugget earrings surgical steel ear wires.
    Tiff’s Glitz
    Pretty Pink Princess Earrings
    `

    jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

    Handmade Beaded Bangle Purple Mosaic Glass Pink Rose Decorative Silver

    Purple Mosaic Glass Pink Rose Decorative Silver Handmade Beaded Bangle

    That’s it for our summer break and our Christmas in July 2014 countdown. Hopefully, you had a great break and filled up with some luscious berry desserts! 

    Enjoy these great gift ideas and shop now for Christmas!

    Julie and Blu

    14 comments:

    1. That Huckleberry Crisp looks amazing. As soon as I get my stove reconnected(I'm having some renovations done), I'm going to try it out! I'll have to use blueberries, since I don't know where to get huckleberries in New England. This is a luscious post and you picked fabulous items to highlight. Thanks for including my little owl here!

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    2. Mouthwatering designs and I can just smell those delicious deserts! Thanks so much for including me in your "I'll Be Your Huckleberry" post.

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    3. Cool!!!My fave line from one my fave actors in one of my fave movies!!!! I am so happy to be featured in this showcase!!!Such gorgeous pretties!!!

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    4. Oh! Me and my sweet tooth will love trying "blueberry" crisps! I never had huckleberries, but I bet I'd like them. Enjoyed looking at all the pleasurable purple items. Thank you for showing my purple magnesite earrings. Sharing.... - Connie - The Singing Beader

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    5. Wonderful post, I love the details about huckleberry! Thanks so much for including my bracelet. Have pinned all items. :)

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    6. Looks and sound delicious, thank you for sharing this recipe and including my crystal cha cha ring, sharing your blog.

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    7. This post is mouthwatering in so many ways. Am going to have to try your huckleberry recipe with blueberries. And the pieces you shared are equally as sweet. Thank you for including my new earrings, Julie. And THANK YOU for hosting the CIJ showcase. So how many weeks is it before the Christmas one starts? LOL! Seamus says he likes blueberries so huckleberries might be a tasty treat, too. And he wonders about this Huckleberry Hound you speak of and thinkss Blu should send the interloper on his way! BTW, I do remember HH. Thanks again!

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    8. Beautiful Berry-licious collection of handmade gift suggestions. And the recipe is already printed and saved. Thanks for posting these treats.

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    9. So how'd those ribs turn out? I've never had huckleberries before either, but have to admit I've never looked that hard for them; now you've presented a challenge. Meantime, since I probably won't be able to wait, the Crisp will be Blueberry :) Great post, yummy recipe (Blu got a bite, didn't he...he's got a purple tongue) and love all the purples. Thanks for including my key ring! Am gladly sharing...

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    10. The crisp looks delicious for any berry. I don't think I've ever eaten a huckleberry, but I may have had some jam once upon a time. I love that deep shade of purple and you've chosen some great handmade finds to highlight in this post!

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    11. This is such a fun blog post! Love the recipe and info on huckleberries - and love your selections of handmade. Thanks so much for including my earrings here. :) Off to share!

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    12. Thanks Julie for doing this Christmas in July countdown, makes it a perfect spot to start your holiday shopping. That recipe sounds so good, going to have to try making it someday soon. Thank you for including one of my wrap bracelets with all these wonderful items. Off to share.

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    13. Lovely purple items. And interesting to know about huckleberry.

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    14. My, the Huckleberry Crisps looks to die for! Love all the purple creations! Thank you for including my Noah's Ark tags.

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