Summer Solstice

Today is summer solstice and the first day of summer. Many cultures throughout history have celebrated the solstice for being symbolic of renewal, fertility and harvest. Also making the day special is the coinciding of a 'Strawberry' moon. According to the Farmer's Almanac, it's the first time in almost 70 years that the summer solstice lands on the same day as a full moon which will be visible in the sky all night long.

I took this photo at 9:40 PM-quite an amazing sight!
Those who look up at the moon tonight will see what's called the "strawberry moon," the nickname for June's full moon. Why the fruit-themed name? According to "The Old Farmer's Almanac," the strawberry moon was given that name by the Algonquin tribes because it occurs right at the height of the season when strawberries are harvested. Other names for this month's full moon are the "hot moon" and the "rose moon".

with a grilled meal Raspberry Balsamic Chipotle Pork Chops, Corn on the Cob, Roasted Baby Potatoes With A Raspberry Garnish.

Raspberry Balsamic Chipotle Grilled Pork Chops recipe from closetcooking.com

The tasty BBQ sauce has a little kick with a touch of raspberry sweetness. It makes 2 cups and is enough for 4- 6 pork chops or a rack of ribs. Any leftover sauce, refrigerate in a covered jar. Oh, sooo good!

Cooking tip: For easier prep arrange all sauce ingredients on  the counter next to the blender, adding in each one on the list.   

Ingredients:

Raspberry Balsamic Chipotle BBQ Sauce  

• 2 cups raspberries fresh (or thawed frozen) 
• 1/2 cup ketchup 
• 2 TB. seedless raspberry preserves/jam 
• 2 TB. honey 
• 2 TB. good white balsamic vinegar or Pomegranate Quince  
• 1 TB. soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)  
• 1+ chipotle chili in adobo, chopped, drained on a paper towel 
• 1 clove garlic, grated 
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 

Grilled Pork Chops

• 4-6 pork chops 
• salt and pepper to taste 

Directions:
For the sauce 

• Puree everything in a food processor or blender. It is an option to strain seeds but it was not a problem for me with seeds in sauce.

For the Grilled Pork Chops

• Heat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat, season the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste, place them on the grill and cook until lightly golden brown on one side, about 8 minutes, flip them and cook until the pork chops are done, about 8 minutes, before basting in the BBQ sauce and enjoying them! 
• Baste chops frequently with sauce during the cooking time. 
• Option: Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.