Bourbon adds unique flavor to this blueberry bourbon crisp.
A Cautionary Tale…
There once was a woman at work, we’ll call her Sue. Sue was feisty, opinionated and mostly fun to be around.  She could be stubborn and bossy at times but her strong work ethic, loyalty and sense of humor were admirable.  She loved pushing peoples’ buttons and was certainly good at pushing mine.  More than anyone I’ve ever met, she loved stuff.  She was constantly finding the weirdest, most random knick knacks and toys to fill up her space with clutter.  I couldn’t have handled all that clutter but she seemed to thrive off it. She loved showing everyone her silly toys and making people laugh.  She had a great laugh. One day, something changed.  Sue’s entire demeanor seemed to shift overnight and she went from being sunny, strong-willed and caring to sullen, distant and sensitive.  “Everything’s fine,” she would say.  “Nothing is wrong, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”  Her tone plainly said mind your own business.  So we did. But everyone knew something was going on and we conversed quietly by the water cooler out of concern and confusion.  She was a newlywed… was it marital troubles?  Workplace woes? After months of uncomfortable conversations and awkward silence, everything came to a head.  Someone said the wrong thing to her at the wrong time and she blew up, stormed out of the building and drove away.  I can still hear her yelling “You have NO idea what I’ve been going though!” Surely she was about to quit?  We were baffled.  And very worried. The truth was that Sue had found a lump and didn’t get it checked for months.  And by that time the cancer had spread.  Chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and radiation weren’t enough to save her life. Would 6 months have made a difference?  No one will ever know.  Why am I telling you this?  Because early detection can save your life.  Get educated, check yourself and schedule mammograms when you’re supposed to.  If not for yourself, do it for the people who love you. I sincerely hope I don’t sound unsympathetic as I share this story.  Sue and I had a strained relationship at times but we did care for each other.  I wanted to portray the experience honestly.  It was traumatic for everyone and I can’t imagine what she went through.
As with my last post, I’m highlighting cancer fighting ingredients today.  Berries.  Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, whatever you like.  Blueberries are a favorite of mine so today I’m sharing a lightened up blueberry bourbon crisp. Because blueberries aren’t in season right now I used frozen berries from the grocery store.  They work perfectly well here and berries are too delicious to only enjoy in the summer. To keep things a bit healthier I used coconut oil instead of butter and honey instead of refined sugar (thought I do include an optional tablespoon of brown sugar in the topping).  You can make this with only the agave and it will still be good but it lacks a certain buttery richness that you get from the molasses in brown sugar. I leave that up to you.  Most of the bourbon cooks away in the oven so if you want to re-infuse the flavor, drizzle a tiny amount over the cobbler right after pulling it from the oven.
Blueberry Bourbon Crisp
Ingredients
Blueberry filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 11/2 tablespoon bourbon (I used Knob Creek)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted slivered almonds (you can substitute regular or sliced)
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons bourbon (plus more to drizzle)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a medium sized bowl, toss the blueberries with the cornstarch until they're evenly coated, then add the remaining ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients. It's easiest to incorporate the coconut oil with your fingers.
- Pour the blueberry filling into a 1 quart dish (or 4 cup-sized ramekins). Spread the topping evening over the berries and place in the oven.
- Cook for 1 hour, then drizzle a small amount of bourbon over the topping after removing it from the oven. Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Choc Chip Uru says
This crisp looks remarkably delicious :)
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Kathryn says
Such an important post & message; thank you for sharing.
Baker Street says
Such an important post, Jen! And berries! I love blueberries too! Blueberry + bourbon + crunchy oaty topping – Yum!
Roger Stowell says
Very good post. Here in France, my wife receives reminders for free mammograms each year. The speed of service and backup in the French system is incredible. Aside from that, the opening picture is a stunner.
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
Thank you for highlighting an extremely important subject, Jen! Berries are such an important part of your diet…and what better way to eat them!!! Lovely blueberry crisp!
Jenny @ BAKE says
what an honest post, I’m sorry for your coworker. What a gorgeous looking crisp and a brilliant excuse to splurge on berries more often!
Valerie says
Your story certainly put me on alert. Great reminder, Thank you!
This crisp looks irresistible! Hooray for the powerful, healthy little blueberry!
Patty says
Thanks for sharing on such an important topic and this recipe is a beautiful use of healthy blueberries-love them in my breakfast cereal;-)
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
Such an important message through a sad story. I’m sorry, Jen.
However, this blueberry crisp looks phenom. I love berry crisps!
Rachael {SimplyFreshCooking} says
It’s great that you’re doing your part and spreading the word. Very important post, and it’s awesome you had the courage to do it with such honesty! xoxo This crisp looks so great and so healthy… I <3 the photos, too!
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen says
This is such an important message. My friend lost her nanny to cancer when she ignored a lump after the birth of her first child.. she thought it was mastitis. I love your recipe.. excellent!!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
We all need to keep this in mind. Not only in October. Love the crisp! Your photos are amazing!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
SO PRETTY.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Thanks for the reminder & sharing the cancer awareness with us all. So so important.
Love this anti-oxidant filled crisps. So yum :)
natalie says
gorgeous photos… and i’m sure it tastes amazing too…