July is National Blueberry Month – it’s the time of year when blueberries are at their tastiest! When fully ripened, they’re plump and juicy and are just as good eaten fresh as they are in your favorite recipes. Here are eight different ways you can celebrate:
Go Blueberry Picking
In parts of the country where blueberries are commonly grown, picking blueberries at a farm is a great pastime. This is the best way to ensure that they are completely fresh! There are around thirty-eight states where blueberries grow very well. Visit this site to view a map of where blueberries grow the best.
Eat Blueberry Ice Cream
Blueberry is one of those surprising ice cream flavors that are sure to become one of your favorites once you try it! This recipe is easy to make and has an intense blueberry flavor that is accomplished by using only the freshest blueberries you can find. Let the ice cream sit on the counter for about five minutes just before serving to make it easier to scoop.
Bake Blueberry Pie
There’s nothing quite like smell of a blueberry pie that’s baking in the oven. This July, why not make a blueberry pie to celebrate National Blueberry Month? This is a great way to use all those fresh picked blueberries! For an extra dose of berry flavor, garnish it with a scoop of blueberry ice cream.
Make Blueberry Shortcake
Blueberry shortcake is just like strawberry shortcake, except it is made with blueberries as the main ingredient instead of strawberries. To make, combine two pints of blueberries with a half a cup of granulated sugar. Top either shortbread, biscuits, angel food cake, or pound cake with blueberries and serve with whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla or blueberry ice cream.
Bake Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry muffins are one of the most popular types of muffins. If it’s been a while since you’ve whipped up a batch, this is the perfect time! Sprinkle each muffin with granulated sugar after placing in the muffin tins to give it an extra crunch.
Enjoy a Blueberry Martini
Making a martini out of vodka and blueberry liqueur is a great way to celebrate National Blueberry Month! Simply combine 4 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of blueberry liqueur or blueberry syrup, and ½ ounce of simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cover and shake for about thirty seconds. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a few ripe blueberries.
Bake Blueberry Cake
This blueberry cake is dense, moist, and filled with plenty of blueberries. The blueberries burst slightly while the cake is baking in the oven, which infuses the flavor into the cake even more. Instead of using a homemade glaze, try icing the cake with vanilla frosting that has been garnished with blueberries, instead.
Try Chocolate Covered Blueberries
Chocolate and blueberries are a perfect combination. It’s also quite easy to make your own. Just dunk fresh blueberries in melted chocolate, place on parchment or waxed paper, and let set on the counter or refrigerator. Melt the chocolate using the double boiler method or the microwave.