Saturday 17 July 2010

'Tis The Season

One of my ultimate joys and addictions during the dog days of summer:  fresh blueberries.  I've been blessed with not just one, but three of our own blueberry bushes in my backyard.  Every summer since I was a little girl, I remember counting down the days until picking season arrived.  I would use my sister's birthday in June as a marking point.  Typically the first bush would just be starting to blossom...only a matter of days before the feasting began.

Last weekend, I ventured out on Sunday morning when the sun was just starting to draw its sleepy rays of light.  Dew and drops of water feel into my eyes as I uncovered the tallest bush (always the first to produce).  I have to say there is nothing more rewarding at 7:00 AM than the biggest most succulent berries, just ripe enough to pick, falling into your mouth.  Imagine those stereotypical Greek gods eating grapes straight from the vine, while the pages held the remainder of the stems.  That was me.  In my glory.  Eating them straight off the branches.

We always have a surplus of berries once they start to pop out.  I tried out new Blueberry Banana Buttermilk Bread.  No photo, but here is the recipe for you to enjoy :)
Blueberry Banana Buttermilk Bread

1 Large Loaf
375 for roughly 50-60 minutes... Wait 'til you can smell the lovin' in the oven

3/4 Cup non-fat or low fat Buttermilk
3/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup Applesauce
2 Large Eggs
1 Cup Mashed Bananas
1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Cup Wheat Bran
1 Tbsp Wheat Germ
3/4 Cup All-Pupose Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
1 1/4 Fresh Blueberries
* Note:  I added walnuts and sprinkled oats on top before baking. *

Whisk buttermilk, brown sugar, applesauce, and eggs in a large bowl.
Stir in bananas.
Whisk whole wheat flour, wheat bran, wheat germ, all-purpose flour,
baking powder,cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
Fold dry ingredients into wet bowl until just combined.
Fold in blueberries (and walnuts if using).  
Pour into prepared load pan.  Bake and let cool for 10 minutes.  
Transfer to a wire rack for 2 hours.  "Patience is a virtue." -My mom

"Good Luck!" - Nana Converse