Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Beautiful B.C. Blueberries

It's time to fill your freezer with gorgeous British Columbia blueberries! The local Farmers' Markets are full of them, and I've just ordered enough to keep my family (and clients!) in blueberries all winter long.

In an effort to reduce the amount of fruit that has to travel thousands of miles to get here, we can all enjoy local B.C. produce twelve months a year. And blueberries are one of the best fruits for freezing. Here's how:

Many people don't realize how easy blueberries are to freeze. I buy them by the 10-pound box, and put them straight in the freezer still in the box. The trick to freezing is not to wash them before you freeze - wash when you defrost.

Here are 8 ideas to brighten your mid-winter days with some blueberry treats:

1. Thaw, wash and serve with a simple dollop of yoghurt (or ice cream) - blueberries are healthy, delicious, and there are plenty of organic ones on offer around Vancouver right now.

2. Add them to granola and yoghurt for a fantastic breakfast.

3. Throw them into your blender with bananas to make a fantastic smoothie.

4. Pour them into - or on top of - Saturday morning pancakes.

5. Make pots of blueberry jam for some great winter comfort food.

6. On a healthier note, use blueberries to lighten up a spinach or lettuce salad.

7. Add to muffins along with carrots, bran and cinnamon.

8. Drop a small handful of blueberries into your glass of bubbly and toast Christmas, the new year, or simply a special Friday night.

I hope you enjoy these "blue" ideas right through the year. And I hope I can work with you to make your events, parties, or corporate functions a success right the way through the year, too!

Cheers,