How to Use Summer Berries Seven Ways

Celebrate Summer by using Berries in Everything

Jul 29, 2008 Sara Gray

Berries are exploding on the scene in the heat of June, July and August. Take advantage of summer's bounty with these seven ideas for using them fresh.

Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and others are the perfect summer food. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, smashed or drizzled. They don't require heat to be great, and they're versatile. Use these seven ideas for inspiration for a berry-filled summer.

Berry popsicles

Store-bought popsicles are usually expensive and loaded with sugar, but why not take advantage of the natural sugars in berries to sweeten up your own batch of ice pops?

Try combining your favorite mixture of berries (marionberries and strawberries together are divine) with a little lemon juice in a food processor, then put them in popsicle molds and fit them with a stick. In a couple hours, you'll have a sweet treat that will please the whole family and keep them cool on a hot summer afternoon.

Berry pies and tarts

From a free-form summer tart to a more structured pie, fresh berries make the perfect dessert when paired with a buttery crust. Try all one kind of berry (blueberries are wonderful in a summer tart) or mix them all together. Add minimal sugar and either bake to make a gooey pie, or cook the crust first and let the berries stay fresh and whole on top of a puree of berries to hold the pie together. This is sure to be a family favorite.

Berry smoothies

Berries, with their antioxidants and good-for-you skins, can be the perfect morning pick-me-up. Try combining your favorite berry (strawberries work particularly well, but any is great) with a little milk or yogurt, and some wheat germ in a blender. Blend until smooth and then enjoy your early-morning treat in liquid form. It tastes good, and it's good for you.

Berry ice cream topping

Ice cream is a summer staple, of course, but instead of reaching for the chocolate syrup this time, try making your own summer ice cream topping made from summer's sweet berries.

Try combining blackberries in a pan with a small amount of water and sugar and cooking until the berries break down into juices and run together. Pour it warm over your ice cream and it will make it (and you) melt.

Berry meat topping

A good berry chutney can be a great complement to a piece of meat, especially a chicken breast or pork chop. Try raspberry chutney with a little black pepper in it to balance the flavors and spoon it over a pork chop. For chicken breasts, try a darker berry like a marionberry. The color contrast and flavor contrast will leave you wanting more.

Berry jams and jellies

The age-old answer to the question: why can't we have berries in the winter? For hundreds of years, people have been canning to carry the flavors of summer into the cooler months. The best way to carry that fruit forward is to make jams and jellies, which can be spread over warm toast when August is just a distant memory.

Berry compote

Believe it or not, berries don't need a darn thing to make them taste good. For dessert, try making a delicious berry compote one of two ways. Either make it fresh, where you just combine several kinds of summer berries, sprinkle with a touch of sugar and serve, or try it cooked a little so it's warm and syrupy. Serve with a spoon and maybe a dollop of whipped cream and that'll be a summer taste memory that will hold you through until next summer.

The copyright of the article How to Use Summer Berries Seven Ways in Seasonal Cooking is owned by Sara Gray. Permission to republish How to Use Summer Berries Seven Ways in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Berry Pie

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