Authentic Cape Breton Blueberry Grunt Recipe

This recipe for Blueberry Grunt, aside from being wildly delicious, also happens to be a comfort food you will want to make repeatedly.

Blueberry Grunt – Cape Breton Comfort Food

When I was a young girl I went to a place called Blueberry Hill near Little Bras D’or on Cape Breton Island, and sat on an ant hill. A red ant hill. I carry the memory of being bitten a thousand times by angry little bugs in my head like it was yesterday. Forty three years later I still cringe at the humiliation of being stripped to my birthday suit in front of perfect strangers as my dad desperately tried to shake the tenacious little jerks loose.

When we returned to my grandmother’s house with my tear-stained cheeks, I was promptly dropped in a bath with baking soda to soothe the itch. I recall soaking in their tub and immediately feeling sweet relief. I can close my eyes and feel the cool August breeze that flowed through the upstairs rooms. I remember vividly how wonderful it felt to slip into fresh pyjamas before I made my way downstairs to my grandmother’s kitchen, the heart of her home.

With the blueberries we had managed to pick before what we shall now refer to as “the incident”, my grandmother had made Blueberry Grunt. Instant comfort. Suddenly, the day had been worth it. So while this is probably just a recipe for you, it’s a piece of my childhood for me, which makes this dessert that much sweeter.

Since, I recently returned from an amazing trip to Cape Breton and was feeling nostalgic, I couldn’t help but pick up four pints of Nova Scotia blueberries at my local grocer. I knew I had my grandmother’s recipe for Blueberry Grunt somewhere in my recipe book at home but it had been years since I made it. I will not make that mistake again.

Ingredients

The ingredients for blueberry grunt are simple and likely already in your pantry. You will need:

• 4 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries – Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen ones can be used year-round.
• 1 cup of sugar – Adjust according to the sweetness of your blueberries.
• 1/2 cup of water – This helps to create the sauce in which the blueberries cook.
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour – Ensure to sift the flour for lighter dumplings.
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder – This helps the dumplings rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt – Enhances the overall flavour.
• 1/2 cup of butter, chilled and cut into pieces – Cold butter is key for the perfect texture.
• 1/2 cup of milk – Adds moisture to the dumpling dough.

I’ve modified it slightly to add in lemon zest and juice, and to swap out the lard my Grandmother used for unsalted butter. Otherwise, this recipe is ridiculously easy to make and totally fool-proof. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a Dutch Oven would work well for this too.

I’ve modified it slightly to add in lemon zest and juice, and to swap out the lard she used for unsalted butter. Otherwise this recipe is ridiculously easy to make, and totally fool-proof. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a Dutch Oven would work well for this too.

Serving Suggestions

Blueberry grunt is best served warm, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm, juicy blueberries and tender dumplings with the cool creaminess of the ice cream creates a delicious contrast. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a taste of Cape Breton tradition.

Blueberry grunt is a classic Cape Breton recipe that is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Its rustic charm and delicious flavour make it a favourite among those who appreciate traditional desserts. Whether you’re new to this dish or have fond memories of enjoying it in Nova Scotia, blueberry grunt is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy this taste of Cape Breton and share it with friends and family to keep the tradition alive.