Cherry Picking

The bounty of summer keeps giving. Several years ago my mom planted Nanking Bush Cherries. Unfortunately the birds ate all of the cherries last year. This year she had an overabundance of fruit.

Nanking cherries are smaller and tarter than the sweet varieties sold at the grocery store.

My mom and I agreed to a barter: I helped her pick the fruit and she would give me cherry jam!

You cannot get any more local than your own (or your family's) backyard.

Blueberry Picking

Matt and I went to Ludington last weekend. Since Angie (Strawbrry Passion) and I did not find time to pick strawberries before the season's end, I was excited when my sister Cait suggested we go blueberry picking.

In true Michigan fashion the weather changed from overcast to sunny, hot, and humid while we walked from the barn to the fields.

 

Michigan's fruit seasons were strained by the false summer in March, but the blueberries are doing very well this year.

When blueberry picking, it is recommended that you tie your bucket to your waist so that you can use both of your hands. I was determined to fill my bucket, so I used a rad tie that matched my shirt.

My niece helped us pick a few blueberries but she quickly grew hot and bored.

I was a little worried about traveling across the state with the blueberries, but they made the trip just fine. I froze 11 cups of blueberries (minus the ones that made it to my stomach. I am going to dry the rest tomorrow).

Frozen Smoothies

Variations of make ahead frozen smoothies such as Freezer Smoothies, Green Smoothie Cups, and Make Ahead Smoothies are mainstays of food boards on Pinterest. Smoothies are a light yet filling fruit and/or vegetable blend high in antioxidants and vitamins. They are energizing and perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

When I made Freezer Jam I had extra strawberries so I cut up and froze them with bananas and grapes. I also froze yogurt in a silicone muffin pan. After they were frozen I put one cup frozen fruit and one yogurt cube into a freezer bags; I ended up with six bags of pre-made smoothies.

To make the smoothie simply add juice or milk and blend until smooth. I did not have juice so I juiced three oranges for approximately 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. You could also add flax seed, honey, soy protein, or wheat grass for additional benefits.

My smoothie was delicious! I look forward to enjoying this frozen treat on a hot summer's day!