Have a berry good breakfast
While many sources have been singing the praises of the healthy blueberry, strawberries and raspberries also are good for you. These berries are rich in antioxidants, which are thought to help fight cancer and heart disease as well as prevent strokes.
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This sauce is great on pancakes and waffles. Leftovers make a delicious topping on ice cream.
Blueberry Sauce
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup water
1 cup orange juice
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, 1/4 cup of water, orange juice, and sugar. Stir gently, and bring to a boil. In a cup or small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the blueberries so as not to mash the berries. Simmer gently until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract and cinnamon. Makes 8 servings.
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This bread offers a lot of flavor for only 6 grams of fat per slice.
Banana-Berry Bread
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup mashed fresh strawberries
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large)
1/2 to 1 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar and oil until smooth; add the strawberries and banana. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in walnuts. Pour into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Makes 16 servings (1 loaf).
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Yogurt-Berry Parfait
1 6-ounce carton flavored yogurt
1/4 cup granola
1/2 cup sliced fresh berries
In a parfait glass or large glass mug, layer one-third of the yogurt, half of the granola and then half of the fruit. Repeat layers. Top with the remaining yogurt. Makes 1 serving.
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Pantry Pointers
When selecting berries, look for firm and plump fruits that aren’t mushy. Since berries don’t keep well, buy them when you are able to use them within a few days and don’t wash them until you are ready to use them.
The Practical Pantry ©2006 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com
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