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SEASONS EATINGS

By Debbie Anderson June 24, 2021 May 13th, 2022 No Comments

Blue Mood

By Meda Kessler
Photos by Meda Kessler

July is National Blueberry Month, but we love nature’s superfood year-round.

July is National Blueberry Month, but we love nature’s superfood year-round. It’s easy to toss a handful in the blender for a smoothie or just eat them out of hand, and we love the fact that they’re a fine addition to both savory and sweet dishes. Our roundup includes a classic pie, a summery sandwich, doughnuts (instead of muffins), breakfast sausage and a booze-free cocktail. Enjoy. — Meda Kessler

A blueberry pie with a scoop of whipped cream or ice cream isn’t fancy. It’s just good. We get a whole one (yes, we share) at Oak St. Pie Co. in Roanoke. 110 N. Oak St., 817-490-0994, oakstpieco.com

Get the winning flavor combo of Lemon Blueberry and Blueberry Pancake at Peace, Love and Little Donuts for a breakfast treat. Add coffee, and you’re set.

601 E. Southlake Blvd., 817-329-3082, facebook.com/PeaceLoveandLittleDonutsSouthlake

Modern Market puts a berry nice spin on its caprese sandwich by layering a blueberry jam (sweetened with chia seeds) to the mix of pesto, mozzarella, tomato and basil. Park Village,

1161 E. Southlake Blvd., 469-388-0080, facebook.com/modernmarketsouthlake

Blueberry Basil Ginger Soda

Syrup

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 cups blueberries

  • Juice from half a lemon

  • 6 thin slices fresh ginger

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (we substituted Splenda)

  • 3 large basil leaves

Combine all the ingredients except the basil in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add basil leaves the final 5 minutes of cooking time. Remove syrup from stovetop, let sit for another 5 minutes and then refrigerate to cool.

Remove from fridge and strain, pressing the fruit with a wooden spoon. Pour the syrup into a sealable container.

To serve, shake syrup and pour ½ cup into a glass filled with ice. Top with Topo Chico, club soda or your favorite sparkling mineral water. Garnish with basil.

This purple drink is a perfect summer sipper if you’re looking for a nonalcoholic cocktail. Want something stronger? Add a splash of gin or vodka. The recipe for the syrup makes about 1½ cups, but it is easy to double. Strain the mixture in batches if you make more.

Fruit always pairs well with pork, including in this blueberry breakfast sausage.

Blueberry Breakfast Sausage

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup, with more to serve

Combine all the spices and herbs and mix well. Add pork, blueberries and 3 tablespoons of syrup. Using your hands, blend the mixture.

Form into patties and fry over medium-high heat in a skillet that’s been very lightly coated with oil. Serve hot with maple syrup and a side of waffles or a toasted English muffin.