A friend Mandy and I picked raspberries and blueberries this past Saturday. Berry picking is such a great hang--while your hands are busy, the conversation can flow so freely. I had a wonderful time, and I do believe that raspberries and blueberries are my favorite berries to pick, clean, and eat! So delicious and versatile, those berries are! Since Saturday, I've been finding ways to incorporate as many berries into things as I can. It's been quite a success, and quite enjoyable.
I started with a batch of raspberry/blueberry jam. I love having my basement canning shelves filled with homemade jams! Not only are they delicious, but I love knowing exactly what's in them--good berries, a little sugar, and some lemon. It's so worth the time and money upfront!
I was also able to put quite a bit in my freezer this year, which I also love. My hope is to not really buy berries again this year. I'm sure a special occasion or two may come up where I'll buy a half pint or two, but for daily eating, this is it, folks! Eating locally makes me appreciate fruits and veggies even more. Not only do they taste better when they are that fresh (and ripe when they are picked, ahem!), but they also become more of a specialty when we only eat them fresh when they are in season. It makes us cherish them more (and waste a lot less), and I like that.
We've, of course, been enjoying berries on food, specifically breakfast and dessert. The other day I made my mom's Pannekoeken recipe, topped with plain yogurt (this is my new favorite brand!), real maple syrup, and berries. With a little uncured bacon on the side, you've got one delicious breakfast! Yum!!!
My go-to breakfast, though, has been yogurt, a little raw honey, a little homemade granola, topped with berries. Just perfect for a summer morning on the deck.
Ah...berries! They are so much better in season!