The Chatter

I noticed in the forum of one of my favorite places to visit…  Sunshine Rewards… was someone asking how to freeze blueberries. 

It reminded me of what is going on right now in New Hampshire. It’s strawberry and blueberry season!
 
I live around many farms.  Unfortunately because of my illness I am unable to go and pick this year.  My freezer is going to be very sad.  But it does make me happy to see many people out there of all different ages having fun.  (They are probably very sweaty and hot too!  :0) But in the long end it is worth it. 

Seeing the people in the fields reminds me of the times when I would go with my girls.  They loved it!  They were good pickers but you should have seen their faces of red or blue!   After we arrived home, we would get the berries cleaned and ready to be frozen.  Of course we left some to eat and bake with.

I want to share one of my favorite old recipes.  It was given to me by their grandmother.  This was a favorite of my youngest daughter.  She would always ask for this.  When we made it in the fall or winter time we talk about all the fun we had in the summer.   Memories!

Blueberry Tea Cake

1/3 cup shortening

2 cups of enriched flour

2 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup milk

1 egg

1 cup blueberries

Stir shortening to soften.  Add flour sifted with baking powder, salt and sugar. Add milk.  Beat vigorously for 2 minutes.  Add egg.  Beat 1 minute.  Stir in blueberries.  Pour into a greased 8×8x2 inch pan.  Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) for 50 minutes.  I start checking at 40 minutes depending on how my stove is baking that day.
 
Oh, I almost forgot!  I put the blueberries and strawberries on cookie sheets and flash freeze them.  I pack them as ½ cup, 1 cup and 2 cups bags so I can just pull what I need for recipes.  It is easy to bag them and fit them in the freezer.

Thanks for letting me share my berry good memories with you!