It's Berry Picking Time

Strawberry season is almost over, but July brings many more berry picking opportunities. We were fortunate to have built on a lot that already had many high and low blueberry bushes. It is easy to go out in the morning and then have fresh berries to put on cereal, in pancakes or just place in a bowl for snacking. I don't mind sharing them with the birds, so we don't use nets. Up until a couple years ago, we also had many blackberry bushes. I am not sure what changed, but now we only have black raspberries in their place. I actually prefer the later, but do miss the size of the blackberries.

Black raspberries waiting to be picked

There is never a shortage of recipes for baked goods that include berries. These blueberry muffins can also be made with your berry of choice. Marmalade in the center keeps them moist. These were made with peach preserves.

Blueberry Marmalade Muffins

2 cups flour (1/4 cup whole wheat)

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

3/4 cup milk or 1 cup buttermilk

6 tablespoons melted butter

1 cup berries

marmalade of choice

Sift dry ingredients in large bowl. Whisk egg, milk and melted butter together. Add to dry ingredients and stir just until mixed. Fold in berries. Fill greased muffin tins half way then add a teaspoon (for small muffins,) or a tablespoon, (for large muffins,) of marmalade. Add the remaining batter on top. Bake at 375 for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sugar.