A couple of days ago, the kids and I went blueberry picking. They're so easy to pick. They practically jump into the bucket! My family doesn't love eating fresh blueberries, but we love them in muffins and pancakes. I also like to snack on frozen berries for a sweet treat or toss a few into a bowl of yogurt. So, it's into the freezer for these babies berries.
I've been told that you can stick them straight into the freezer without even washing them. I tried that one year, but discovered that when I washed the frozen berries before using them, they tended to stick together in one frozen clump. No fun. Here's how I do it now:
1. First, I fill one side of my kitchen sink with some water (and fruit and veggie wash, if I have it). I carefully take a handful of berries at a time from the bucket, and quickly look for stems or smashed berries as I drop them into the water. It only took me a few minutes to do all four quarts of berries, and it's worth the time it takes to sort through them (especially if the kiddos helped pick them).
2. Next, I spread out some old or dark-colored kitchen towels on the counter. I use my hands to scoop the berries out of the sink and rinse them in a colander.
3. Then, I place them in a single layer, as much as possible, on the kitchen towels to dry. Every now and then throughout the day, I'll move them around a little on the towels so that all sides get dry. It's important to dry them completely so that they don't stick together. (Note: You can also spread them out on cookie sheets in the freezer until completely frozen before moving onto the next step. Personally, I find it easier to simply let them set on the counter for the afternoon.)
4. Finally, I put the washed and dried berries back into the bucket, pop on the lid, and set them in my freezer. You could also place them in large freezer bags. When I'm ready to use them in a recipe, I simply take my measuring cup and scoop out what I need.
Even if you aren't able to take the family to the blueberry patch, you might find them for a great price at the grocery store this time of year. Investing a few minutes now can save you some money later in the year when you're craving a stack of blueberry pancakes.....or a mixed berry smoothie.....or some warm muffins fresh from the oven. I'm getting berry hungry now! As a matter of fact, I think some pancakes and muffins just might hit our table before those berries even make it into the freezer. Yum!
Find more helpful ideas over on Works for Me Wednesday.
Photo credit: Kaleidoscope08
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