Blueberry cobbler is the perfect way to celebrate the season as Thanksgiving approaches in New Brunswick. It honours the local flavours that make our province so special. From the sweeping coastline to the lush forests and thriving agricultural communities, New Brunswick is rich in natural resources that bring life to our tables. Among the province’s most cherished ingredients? Blueberries. This year, we’re turning them into a homemade blueberry cobbler that reflects the best of New Brunswick’s unique lifestyle and local bounty, making it a standout addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Field to Fork
The Heart of New Brunswick: Blueberry Fields Forever
New Brunswick’s blueberry season is nothing short of a local event. From mid-summer into early fall, the province’s rolling fields become a sea of vibrant blue, as wild and cultivated blueberries ripen, ready to be harvested by local farmers and eager pickers alike. Whether it’s family outings to u-pick blueberry farms or stopping at roadside stands where farmers offer up their freshest batch, blueberries are a sweet, nutritious reminder of how deeply connected New Brunswickers are to the land.
It’s this connection to nature, to community, and to the rhythm of the seasons that makes life in New Brunswick so special. Our province is known for more than just its stunning landscapes—we’re a community of people who appreciate the value of local, sustainable agriculture. By incorporating blueberries into your Thanksgiving dessert, you’re not only enjoying the flavours of summer but also supporting the hardworking New Brunswick blueberry farmers who are the backbone of our local economy.
Why Blueberries Belong on Your Thanksgiving Table
While turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are staples on any Thanksgiving menu, there’s something about a blueberry cobbler that feels uniquely New Brunswick. These tiny, jewel-toned berries pack a punch of flavour and carry the essence of the summer months when they were picked by hand across the province. By serving a dessert that uses locally sourced blueberries, you’re celebrating more than just the harvest—you’re celebrating New Brunswick’s culture, its landscapes, and its people.
Blueberries are also a nutritional powerhouse. High in antioxidants and rich in vitamins, they provide a healthy balance to the richness of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Their sweet-tart flavor pairs perfectly with a simple, rustic cobbler, making it a dessert that’s not only delicious but also filled with the wholesome goodness of New Brunswick’s land.
Recipe: New Brunswick Blueberry Cobbler
Here’s how you can transform those blueberries you picked this summer into a dessert that embodies the flavours and lifestyle of New Brunswick.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
• 5 cups fresh or frozen New Brunswick blueberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional) For the topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir gently to ensure the blueberries are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and vanilla until the dough comes together (it’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy!).
4. Assemble the cobbler: Spoon the dough over the blueberry filling, leaving gaps for the fruit to bubble through.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool & Serve: Let the cobbler cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to elevate the experience.
A Celebration of Local Flavours
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and reflecting on what we’re grateful for. This year, let’s also give thanks for the abundance of local produce that New Brunswick provides us with, and for the hardworking individuals behind the scenes who make it all possible. From the fields to your kitchen, this blueberry cobbler is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of the unique lifestyle, culture, and community spirit that makes New Brunswick so special.
So, as you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, enjoy a taste of New Brunswick’s summer bounty, and celebrate the simple, wholesome joys of local living. Happy Thanksgiving!