Alaska is covered in wild berries ready to be picked and turned into delicious treats. Try some of these options for an extra delightful berry harvest this year.
- Jam: Turning your various berry harvests into a juicy jam is a nice way to make your sweet fruit last all winter long. After jarring you favorite jam recipe, you might not have to buy any for months, plus homemade jams make great gifts. Try adding different ingredients from your garden to your jam such as basil for a uniquely delicious strawberry basil jam.
- Desserts: From blueberry pie to strawberry cakes, there are many delicious desserts that can be made with all the fresh blueberries, strawberries, salmonberries, raspberries and blackberries you’ve managed to collect this summer. Blackberry frozen fruit bars, strawberry short cake, sorbets and chocolate raspberry trifle cakes are just a few possibilities for all your fresh berries. Check out the Southern Living Website for some recipes and ideas for fresh berry desserts.
- Parfaits and fruit salads: While some might consider these also a dessert, others consider them a partially healthy side dish, or lunchtime sweet snack. Pack some of that fruit into a travel container and bring some yogurt and granola in your lunch for a fresh fruit parfait. There are many varieties of fruit salad, so get creative with the fresh flavors you have. A good go-to is a bunch of fruit and whipped cream mixed up in a bowl: sweet and tasty.
- Smoothies: If you are looking for a new breakfast or post-workout snack, try turning your fresh berries into a fresh smoothie. Add any supplements or protein powders you like to make it a more balanced and full meal, or just simply enjoy the blended fruit with some milk or yogurt and ice. Getting tired of your favorite smoothie recipe? Try the Food Network’s many smoothie varieties.
