Saturday Dinner: Blueberry Mojitos, Pork Loin with Blueberry Salsa and Blueberry Bread Pudding

Ok, so I admit that this meal is a bit over the top blueberry but my family didn't mind.  Enjoy it together (we served our pork with buttery red potatoes and sauteed yellow squash and zucchini) or serve them separately.  Either way you won't be sorry.

Blueberry Mojitos
Serves 1

• 1/2 cup blueberries, a few more for garnish if you'd like
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 lime wedges
• 3-4 mint leaves
• Seltzer
• Crushed ice
• 1.5 ounces white rum

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle blueberries, honey, lime wedges, mint and a small splash of club soda.
2. Add the ice and rum.  Shake well.  Strain into a glass with more crushed ice.  Top with a splash more seltzer (to taste).  Garnish with remaining blueberries and a sprig of mint.

Cumin Pork Loin Rub

• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Pepper

1. Mix spices together or spinkle on the pork individually. 
2. Grill or roast pork loin and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
3. Top sliced pork with blueberry salsa.

Blueberry Salsa

Serves 2

• 1 cup mashed fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup whole fresh blueberries
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, to taste) 
• 1  seeded and minced jalapeño peppers (optional, to taste)
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• Kosher salt
• Pepper

1. Coarsely chop (I used a potato masher) 1 cup fresh blueberries.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together chopped fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup whole blueberries, fresh lemon juice, cilantro, jalapeños, red bell pepper, onion, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

 

Blueberry Bread Pudding Modified from About.com

Serves 4

• 2 cups whole wheat bread, cubed
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2/3 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 and butter 4 individual baking dishes.  (You can also double the recipe and bake it in a 9x9 inch casserole dish.)
2. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir gently..
3. Spoon the mixture into prepared baking dishes.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until set.  Serve warm with freshed whipped cream or ice cream.