Use Berries to "Jazz" Up a Simple Recipe

Let me tell you about my best friend's grandmother. She is a nice woman. She is retired and yet still manages to keep so active as to make me tired just thinking about her schedule. She lives off naps... not continuous sleep. Although I worry about her... I adore her.

This time of year... her generosity knows no bounds. She loves to go to Farmer's Market and then before going home, she will drop off her berry pick of the week.

Summer time is all about what can I jazz up with berries... before they go bad and before I run out of room in both my refrigerator and freezer. (She never just brings over one bag... it is always several! Bless her.)

Here are some of the ways that I have used berries in my summer recipe repertoire.

Ways to use berries to "jazz" up a simple recipe- I love Dairy Queen's Peanut Buster Parfait

In fact, it has always been my favorite go and get dessert. Although I do think, they have become increasing smaller as I have aged... or maybe my appetite is not as easily appeased these days...

However, I have all these berries... and I am trying to be healthier... I can make my own parfait! I mixed equal parts berries and softened vanilla ice cream. I layered it in fancy smancy dessert glasses and topped with toasted almonds. Okay... it was not a Dairy Queen Peanut Buster Parfait... but it was an all right homemade berry version. Really. My children loved them more than I did... but that was because I was pouting.

Ways to use berries to "jazz" up a simple recipe- So what that my sister lives in Maine and has blueberry syrup taking up one entire shelf in her pantry

I love pancakes. My children love pancakes. Maple syrup, although our favorite, could use some jazzing up. In a saucepan, I simmered some maple syrup (yes- sent to me by my sister in Maine) with some blueberries. I crushed the berries with the back of a spoon until they burst... two to three minutes. Voila... instant blueberry syrup for pancakes or waffles or even French toast.

Ways to use berries to "jazz" up a simple recipe- The winter holidays are not the only time for fruitcake!

Okay... really it became just a fruity cake. I made a simple pound cake. Then I tossed some mixed berries with some grenadine and poured it over the cake. Perfect for when adult friends come over for coffee.

Ways to use berries to "jazz" up a simple recipe- there is no such thing as a simple salad anymore

Gently mash a few raspberries in with some balsamic vinegar, olive oil and some honey. Drizzle over your salad or... chicken or pork chops... and for those of you that enjoy fish...salmon. I prefer the chicken best. My son prefers it over salmon... and my daughter on her salad... what can I say we are a family with eclectic tastes.

Ways to use berries to "jazz" up a simple recipe- you don't bring me flowers anymore... so I will just make my own

Okay... this idea, given to me by a coworker did not turn out so well for me. Maybe for you.... Cut an X into the pointed end of some large strawberries, almost to the bottom then gently open the "petals" and fill with some cream drizzled with chocolate syrup. My friend says they are simple to make and look lovely. I will have to take her word for it... because my word is that they were not easy and did not resemble flowers at all... but maybe I will try again.

What? Who is at the door? Jules... yes, please come in... and I see you brought strawberries today. Why, thank you!