A perfectly ripe peach half, topped with Huckleberry Thyme Sauce, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of maple sugar is a perfect summertime dessert. But don’t stop there. Wild Huckleberry Sauce is also delicious spooned over pears, ice cream or meringue cookies and even pairs well with roast chicken or pork.
Wild Huckleberries – A Seasonal Treasure
Last week at the farmer’s market I found something extra special – huckleberries. These tiny tasty berries are my idea of wonderful. Their dark rich flavor is related to, but a little more intense and tart than, the generous juicy sweetness of my favorite summer blueberries.
Reading about huckleberries I learned that there has been a bumper crop this season growing along trails at upper elevations in the Cascade mountains. These berries are a favorite of bears so they must be gathered with caution. Those in the know, forage carefully to avoid wildlife and cases of mistaken identity.
If you have the opportunity to collect or buy huckleberries don’t miss out. They are a sumptuous treat that slip easily into late summer or early fall menus. Their bright intensity pairs well with savory flavor notes and also adds interest to ripe seasonal fruit, quick breads and other sweet treats.
Huckleberry Sauce is Both Sweet and Savory
I used some of the huckleberries I bought at the market last week in a wonderful huckleberry sauce. This sauce is quite similar to the Summer Berry Basil Sauce I use in a variety of simple desserts. Where it varies is that instead of basil I pair the wild tartness of the huckleberries with the earthy notes of thyme and nutmeg while adding a little balsamic vinegar and red wine.
As an accompaniment to an entree, like Herb Roasted Chicken, Huckleberry Thyme Sauce adds complexity and interest to an ordinary fall dinner. As a topping for Meringue Cookies, maple walnut ice cream or fresh ripe fruit it adds earthy sweetness and dramatic color to a simple light dessert.
Huckleberry Thyme Sauce
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy6
servings5
minutes3
minutes8
minutes
The flavor of wild huckleberries pairs well with flavors both sweet and savory. Try it over roast chicken or pork or as a topping for fresh peaches, pears, ice cream or meringue cookies.
Ingredients
2 cups huckleberries
2 Tablespoons honey
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 four-inch sprigs fresh thyme
3 Tablespoons red wine
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Directions
- In a small saucepan stir together half of the huckleberries, honey, lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, thyme sprigs, red wine and vinegar.
- Cook gently, over medium heat, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes, or until berries have softened and released their juice. With the back of a spoon squash some of the berries against the side of the pan while cooking.
- Remove from heat. With a spoon, remove the thyme sprigs and discard.
- Stir in the rest of the fresh huckleberries.
- Spoon over roasted meat or serve as a dessert topping.
Nature is the ultimate gourmet and you’ve found an incredible recipe to showcase that with your Huckleberry Thyme Sauce. The balance between sweet and savory, clean and warm, sophisticated and simple is so hard to find—but it’s here and we can’t wait to serve it at our table.
fabulous idea! This sauce looks wonderful and I like the idea of pairing it with roasted chicken. ~Mina
How creative….I had a Huckleberry shake and it was delish.
I had wanted to buy some huckleberries at the market last Saturday but didn't get there in time. I hope to have better luck this week. What a beautiful dessert.
I've never had huckleberries , they sure look good!!!
How whimsical! 🙂
This sauce is such a gorgeous color! I can close my eyes and almost taste all of the wonderful berry and thyme goodness! :0)
my first thought upon seeing that peach is that it displays quite possibly my favorite combination of colors–purple(ish) and orange(ish) are just beautiful to me. and i'm sure the flavor is quite unique and delicious–bravo!
OMG…this looks so good