These warm summer days in New England are short-lived and because of that, we appreciate how precious they are and try not to waste a second. Enjoying every moment of summer can mean lots of time spent outdoors at the beach, on the water, hiking, golfing and about any other way you can imagine to soak up some sunshine. Whatever you’re up to this summer being prepared to keep going with some tasty and energizing snacks made with frozen Wild Blueberries.
If you haven’t heard, Wild Blueberries are rich in health-promoting anthocyanins in their dark blue pigment. Anthocyanins are being studied and researchers are discovering their vast health benefits including enhancing memory in adults and boosting cognition and mood in children and teens. Wild Blueberries are also high in fiber and low in sugar.
We’ve selected five of our favorite energizing recipes made with delicious Wild Blueberries to fuel up the entire family. And if you get a chance to sit back and relax on one of these hot summer days, try a bowl of frozen Wild Blueberries slightly thawed. It’s a delicious and refreshing option that we love.
Happy summer!
To keep the “hangriness” at bay during a long day of celebration, have a number of on-the-go snacks on hand. Ditch the store-bought bars and make your own. It’s really easy and you can be certain they’ll be packed with the nutrition you need. Below are two options to try.
On any adventure, be prepared for a cranky toddler, teen or beach buddy with these Wild Blueberry Energy bars by Danielle Omar, MS, RDN of Food Confidence. You’ll want to make these ahead of time, so the icing has plenty of time to cool. The nutrient-rich oatmeal will keep bellies full, and the Wild Blueberries mixed with the chocolate offers a sweet surprise that will perk up your crew.
If turning on the oven on a hot summer day is the last thing you want to do, don’t worry! Use your favorite protein powder and nut butter to load this recipe with energy and dates for sweetness. One of our favorite recipes is this Wild Blueberry Energy Bar. Filled with frozen Wild Blueberries, oats, honey, and other healthy ingredients, it will help keep you going no matter what activity is planned. Let them chill in the fridge for an hour before cutting and keep them cool until snack time!
Start off a busy day with this energizing smoothie that will make everyone think you gave them dessert for breakfast. (Shhh! We wont’ tell them that there’s spinach in there.) You’ll love this #WildYourSmoothie combo created by Kara Lydon, RD, LDN, RYT of The Foodie Dietitian. The Wild Blueberries, banana, and dates keep it sweet without any added sugar. You can easily make this vegan by using your favorite alternative milk, like almond, cashew, or even coconut milk beverage.
Everyone craves an ice-cold lemonade on a hot summer day. This Sparkling Wild Blueberry Lemonade is delicious and refreshing. It’s infused with sparkling water, coconut water, lemons, and our favorite ingredient– frozen Wild Blueberries! Study results reveal that the nutritional value of frozen fruits and vegetables are generally equal to – and in some cases better than – their fresh counterparts. Freezing also locks in the complex sweet and tart taste of Wild Blueberries. So, the high nutritional value is guaranteed to last whenever you decide to take Wild Blueberries out of the freezer!
After a long day exploring the wilds of summer, the kids typically run into the house to raid the pantry for a snack. Nothing will satisfy their hungry bellies more that these Wild Blueberry Coconut Pops by Katie Morford MS, RD of Mom’s Kitchen Handbook. Made with yogurt, frozen Wild Blueberries, lemon juice, and maple syrup, you can turn the sweetness dial-up or down based on the yogurt you use. Now, name one kid who doesn’t love a popsicle. They’ll be screaming for more of this pretty, fro-yo popsicle treat.
Mom is pretty incredible because of everything she does for the family. While one day hardly seems like enough to show our gratitude, it’s a great reminder to slow down and show our appreciation for all those little (and big) things that she does. No matter how you’re planning to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day, start the day off with a WILD breakfast that’ll show her how much you love her.
Breakfast in bed, or at the table – the choice is yours! The kids can join in by setting the table or tray and even helping you (make and) serve a tasty breakfast. Mom will enjoy and savor every WILD bite that’s full of flavor, health benefits, and of course – your love and appreciation.
The flavors of Wild Blueberries and their health benefits make them a great choice to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day. Full of intense blueberry flavor, Wild Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins. This is the compound that gives them their deep blue and purple hues. Anthocyanins have been shown to boost brain health, support gut, and heart health, and more!
To show MOM just how much you love her, try making her a few of these WILD recipes:
Start her Mother’s Day celebration with a toast. This is an excellent time for the kids to present their homemade cards to Mom and say “Thank You” for everything she does every day. You can prep the Wild Blueberry simple syrup ahead of time and in the morning Pour it over her favorite champagne, prosecco, or even seltzer for a family-friendly toast.
If you’re looking for something fun, tasty, and easy for the kids to help you make for Mom, this flatbread hits all the marks – and it’s beautiful. The flavored cream cheese blends can be made ahead of time for an easy-to-assemble breakfast in the morning. Mom will love how tasty they are.
Pancakes are always a crowd pleaser but today is all about Mom – so up your game! These pancakes are made from scratch but won’t take you all morning to whip up. The Wild Blueberries pair deliciously with the ricotta and lemon, and the Wild Blueberry sauce adds one more touch making these hotcakes extraordinary.
Nothing is better than a freshly baked doughnut. Full of a sweet, tart, and tangy flavors, these Wild Blueberry Muffins Donut Holes will impress Mom without making a mess of the entire kitchen. Make sure the donut holes are cool before dipping them in the Wild Blueberry Glaze. Not only is double dipping allowed, but it’s also encouraged!
Short on time this year? You can still treat Mom to a delicious home-baked goody full of Wild Blueberry deliciousness. This pull-apart bread can be made with from-scratch dough or, Mom’s favorite can of refrigerated biscuits. Once you drizzle the maple-glaze, Mom may not want to share another bite.
According to the YMCA, April 27th is officially Healthy Kids Day®. It’s a day where “Y” organizations all across the country plan activities to help promote active minds and healthy bodies to raise awareness about the importance of improving the health and well-being of all children. If you want to join in on the celebration, please check out your local Y to see what they may have planned.
One way to promote health and well-being in children is through diet and nutrition. Wild Blueberries make a great addition to any healthy eating plan you create for your children – upping the nutrition in foods kids love like pancakes, smoothies, popsicles, and yogurt parfaits. Recent research has shown that the pigments called anthocyanins that make Wild Blueberries purple-blue can help improve memory and concentration in children. They can also boost mood impacting executive function, which relates to decision-making. Plus, Wild Blueberries taste great. Frozen Wild Blueberries are never bland like their fresh counterparts can be and are known for their more intense blueberry flavor that’s part-sweet and part-tang.
To help you step up your child’s nutrition game in time for Healthy Kids Day – and for every day after, here are four recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Kids love fruit leathers, but if you’re a parent like me, you’re not a fan of the prepackaged options filled with artificial ingredients found in most grocery stores. You don’t have to deny your kids these fun little snacks. Instead, make them at home using this simple recipe from Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD, of Real Mom Nutrition. To make it even more fun, involve the kids. They’ll feel super special, especially when they share them with friends after school or at practice.
Warmer days are just around the corner here in Maine, which means we’ve started dreaming of refreshing summer treats like these Wild Blueberry Yogurt Pops from Lindsay Livingston, RD, of The Lean Green Bean. Made with yogurt, frozen Wild Blueberries, lemon zest, maple syrup, and chia seeds, you can turn the sweetness dial-up or down based on the yogurt you use. This recipe includes a protein powder to give you extra energy, but it’s an optional ingredient. Now, name one kid who doesn’t love a popsicle. They’ll be screaming for more of this pretty, fro-yo popsicle treat.
Smoothies are an easy way to get more nutrients like calcium, fiber, and vitamins in your kids. All it takes is having a few key ingredients around to create delicious, easily portable smoothies your children will love. This Kid-friendly Wild Blueberry & Kefir Smoothie recipe from Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD, of Real Mom Nutrition is one of our favorites. It uses fiber-rich Wild Blueberries and pro-biotic kefir to help take care of little tummies, and a handful of iron-rich spinach that disappears because of the incredible color of the wild blues. We love Sally and her words of wisdom, ‘how did people feed their kids before smoothies came along?’.
Get even the stubbornest of sleepy heads out of bed in the morning with this Wild Blueberry and Chocolate Skillet Pancake. Danielle Omar MS, RDN of Food Confidence created this easy-to-make recipe using frozen Wild Blueberries (and dark chocolate) that’s tasty and rich in flavonoids. Research has documented the positive effects of flavonoids on brain health – flavonoids as part of a healthy, mixed diet might help prevent low mood and depression in young people. Wild Blueberries are loaded with a type of flavonoid called anthocyanins that gives them their deep blue pigment. And about that dark chocolate… its full of flavanols that can help raise serotonin – the “feel good” neurotransmitter. The kiddos will love how delicious this pancake is and you’ll love knowing that you’re giving them a good start to their day.
We’ve all been there – that moment when you feel so hungry that you’re a just a little angry. How can you tame that hangry feeling – always have snacks on hand, ready to calm your growling tummy. In celebration of National Nutrition and Frozen Food Month, we’ve selected 5 easy, nutritious and tasty snack recipes using healthy frozen ingredients to help you avoid those hangry moments. Most of these recipes you can make ahead of time and store in airtight containers in the freezer, so you have them ready to go to help you power through your hectic day!
Buying frozen foods is a great way to make sure you have nutritious ingredients always at the ready. Unfortunately, frozen produce has received a bad rap over the years, but more and more research has shown that frozen fruits and vegetables (especially those that are plain and without added sauces and sugars) are as nutritious as fresh and sometimes even more nutritious. This is because they are harvested at the peak of ripeness and frozen within 24 hours, locking in their taste and nutrition. The Wild Blueberry is a perfect example of a delicious and nutritious frozen fruit to have on hand for smoothie and snack making all year long.
Now onto the recipes sure to tame your hangry monster. Happy snacking!
Did we have you at cake or mix-in-the-pan? That’s right, this delicious snack cake only requires the pan you bake it in, and something to mix it with, like a fork! Each ingredient was chosen with intention by Katie Sullivan Morford, MS, RD of Mom’s Kitchen Handbook to boost nutrition including fiber, protein, and healthy fats – and antioxidants from the frozen Wild Blueberries. This tasty and easy-to-make snack cake has us staring at the oven the entire time it’s baking with its beautiful purple marble coloring from the Wild Blueberries.
These snack balls require no baking and make a batch of eight – which is perfect if you’re looking to have a few snackable items on hand. There’s no need to thaw the Wild Blueberries before adding them to the mix, as they will get too mushy when you mix everything together. Medjool dates, vanilla, and Wild Blueberries sweeten these snack balls without added sugar. You can easily double, or triple, Danielle Omar, MS, RDN of Food Confidence’s recipe and store the extra in the freezer.
A smoothie is super quick and easy to make – and satisfying! This #WildYourSmoothie recipe by Kara Lydon, RD, LDN, RYT, The Foodie Dietitian is full of protein to help keep you full and give you that boost of energy you so desperately need. This recipe calls for coconut milk beverage, but feel free to use your milk of choice. And don’t forget, using frozen Wild Blueberries means you can skip the ice and enjoy a smoothie full of that sweet, tart and tangy flavor that Wild Blueberries are known for.
For some of us, it might be too early to think about froyo or popsicles, but in the summer months, you’ll thank us for this recipe by Lindsay Livingston, RD of The Lean Green Bean. Make these pops with your favorite yogurt, use vanilla if you want them a little sweeter. Also, using Greek yogurt, or adding protein powder, will give these tasty pops an extra energy boost for you and the kiddos.
If you like to make snacks ahead of time and store them in the freezer so you’re always prepared, you’re going to LOVE this one! Another WILD recipe creation by Lindsay Livingston, RD of The Lean Green Bean, these mini muffins are perfect for refueling after a workout or enjoying with the kids when they get home from school. One batch makes about two dozen so be sure to store them in an airtight container and pop them in the freezer.
The holidays are finally behind us, and it’s time to get a start on the new year. Instead of making the traditional laundry list of New Year’s resolutions that most of us won’t keep beyond a few weeks, try creating a list of small manageable changes and set actionable and realistic goals. If improving health is on your list, here’s an easy change you can make to your diet that can make a big nutritional difference. Add smoothies. They’re wonderful for a meal replacement option for breakfast, to help you refuel after a grueling workout or as a nutrition boosting late afternoon snack.
To help inspire you, we asked a smoothie-making expert, Dana Angelo White, MS. RD, ATC, to weigh in on how to make a great smoothie, how to create a cost-saving freezer pantry and for a few tips to make smoothie making easier. If you’re not familiar with this smoothie making queen, Dana is the nutrition expert for Foodnetwork.com and one of the founding contributors behind its Healthy Eats blog. She is also the sports dietitian and associate clinical faculty in the department of Athletic Training and Sports Medicine at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. She also recently released her newest cookbook – Healthy, Quick & Easy Smoothies – 100 No Fuss Recipes Under 300 Calories You Can Make With 5 Ingredients.
Dana told us her cookbook evolved because, in reality, she makes a lot of smoothies at home for her family (she has three young daughters) and in her nutrition practice which focuses on athletes. She said, “Because I spend a lot of time making smoothies, I have really focused on what makes them work and what doesn’t, and it felt like it was time to compile and share all that information. Plus, smoothie making is fun. At home, I’ll create a recipe, ask the kids to taste it and guess the ingredients or at Quinnipiac I’ll host a smoothie making challenge for my students to get them using a variety of different ingredients.”
Here’s what we asked he to help you up your smoothie making game at home:
Why 300 calories and 5 ingredients?
I thought it was a scalable number that could fit into anyone’s healthy eating plan. For example, the Wild Blueberry Blast with Banana & Chia Seeds smoothie recipe (which she shares with us later) has 246 calories. In addition to the antioxidant-rich Wild Blueberries, the recipe features chia seeds and cottage cheese making it a high protein smoothie that is satisfyingly filling. If you don’t want to take in 300 calories at one time, she suggests that it’s easy to scale it back to reduce calorie intake. For example, for an after school snack for my kids I may give them half a serving and freeze the rest. However, if you’ve put in a long and strenuous workout and more calories and way to rebuild muscle, doubling the recipe and adding more calories may make more sense.
Why do you prefer smoothies over juicing?
Recently, juicing had a resurgence as a healthy way to eat fruits and veggies. However, when you juice, from a nutrition perspective you lose a lot of the good stuff like fiber because your extracting the juice and not eating the skin. When you blend a smoothie, you get all of that satisfying fiber and you can play with different textures and flavors.
What do you keep in your freezer pantry?
If you’re making smoothies, the freezer is where you’re going to start. I like to keep everything that goes into my smoothies in my freezer pantry because I want my smoothie ingredients to be as cold as possible. I don’t like to add a bunch of ice if I don’t have to, so having a staple of frozen ingredients ready makes for a more flavorful and chillier smoothie.
I always stock a variety of ingredients like frozen Wild Blueberries. Their sweet and tangy flavor are a great addition to any smoothie, and they’re full of antioxidants that can help you fight the damaging effects of aging as well as reduce the risk of certain diseases helping to minimize inflammation.
I also use my freezer to get more mileage out the fresh stuff I may have on hand. It helps me eliminate food waste and save money. For example, I’ll take just ripe bananas, place them in a bag and store them in the freezer to use later. I also buy nuts and seeds in bulk and to extend their life I bag and freeze them. Oiler nuts like walnuts may last between 6 to 12 months if you freeze them.
Can you provide us a few tips make smoothie making easier?
I do a lot of meal prep and believe it or not smoothies can be prepped in advance so that it’s easy to enjoy one every day. I create individual smoothie packets using resealable bags, which include frozen fruit, yogurt ice cubes (which I also make), seeds or whatever else I have on hand. This trick also allows you to tailor your bags to the tastes and likes of individual family members. Then, when it’s time to whip up your smoothie, toss the contents of your bag into your blender and add your liquid of choice. Bam, a delicious smoothie in less than 5 minutes. This tip is a huge time and money saver for me.
Another great tip is if you make a large batch of one particular smoothie recipe and want it to last more than one day, serve up the smoothie and then pour the rest into popsicle molds for a delicious afternoon snack. I’ve also started buying disposable yogurt tubes and filling them with smoothie goodness. They come out like thick ice pops and my kids really love them.
Finally, I like to pack smoothies in my kids’ lunches. I’ll make a smoothie bowl and freeze it and by the time lunch comes around it’s ready to enjoy. I also have designated sippy cups for smoothies for each of my family members that I can pack in their lunch boxes. Finally, I like to keep on hand reusable straws – there are so many amazing options nowadays from plastic to stainless steel. If you’re using reusable straws be sure to keep them clean. Today, most kits come with a thin cleaning brush (they look like smaller bottle brushes) or you can invest in a set of brushes.
For more of Dana’s tips check out page 14 of her new smoothie cookbook.
Tell us about the Wild Blueberry Blast Smoothie Recipe in your Cookbook?
This recipe is something that I make all the time and really wanted to share. In addition to the frozen Wild Blueberries, the secret ingredient is the cottage cheese, which gives this smoothie recipe a good protein boost. It also offers a delicious balance of flavors and an amazing color because of the Wild Blueberries. It’s one recipe that is really user friendly and can be a delicious and satisfying breakfast smoothie or a great post work out one to help rebuild muscle because the perfect ratio of carbs to proteins. In every recipe in the cookbook, I also provide a nutritional analysis and total sugar content overview, which includes both all natural and added sugars. This recipe features no added sugars.
If you’re eating for brain health, which recipes would you recommend?
Eating for brain health is something we all need to do. There a several brain boosting recipes included in my smoothie cookbook. The Wild Blueberry Blast Smoothie is one because both the Wild Blueberries and Chia Seeds are rich in antioxidants. Wild Blueberries have twice the antioxidant capacity of their tamer cousins, and 20 years of scientific research suggests that Wild Blueberries have the potential to improve memory, mood and cognitive function in older adults and prevent the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Most recently, research suggests Wild Blueberries have a significant positive effect on memory, concentration, and mood in children. It’s really a brain boosting berry for all ages.
I would also recommend incorporating tea, coffee, walnuts, and avocado into your smoothies. I feature these ingredients in many of the smoothies in the cookbook.
On page 15 of Dana’s cookbook, she outlines ingredients and their health boosting effects.
Where can I buy your book?
You can order my cookbook Healthy, Quick & Easy Smoothies – 100 no fuss recipes under 300 calories you can make with 5 ingredients on Amazon, via my website where I also offer signed copies and you can pick it up at Target, Wal-Mart, Barnes and Noble or at most other locations where books are sold.
Get started today with Dana’s Wild Blueberry Blast with Banana & Chia Seeds Smoothie.
The holidays are here and like many of you, I will be hosting friends and family. We make more of a fuss over Christmas Eve dinner than any other meal, and, believe it or not, I’ve already got most of the meal planning complete. I’ve been recipe testing and tweaking dishes the last few weeks, and I’ve settled on a fun menu.
Appetizers are the main attraction when my family gets together for Christmas Eve. My mom always makes a Mediterranean style Mezza tray with different types of smoked fish and cheeses. But my sister and her fiancé are vegan, so I like to provide a tasty vegetarian app for us to share. I wanted to create something a little fancy this year so I’ve been experimenting with tempeh.
Inspired by a beautiful set of shot glasses I received as a gift, I created these to-die-for Coconut Crusted Tempeh Skewers with Wild Blueberry BBQ Sauce. The Wild Blueberry BBQ sauce is so tasty and delicious; it’s literally finger-lickin’ good! It’s not too sweet and just a little bit tangy – it’s the perfect complement to the coconut crusted tempeh.
I love incorporating Wild Blueberries, which you find in the frozen food aisle of your grocery store, into my recipes! They always provide an intense fruity flavor and because they’re jam-packed with antioxidants, they offer a nutrition upgrade to any dish.
The Wild Blueberry BBQ sauce is super simple to make. Just simmer your frozen Wild Blueberries with some ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic and a little maple syrup and you’re ready to go. Wild Blueberries are not only rich in antioxidants; they also support heart and brain health. That’s not something you’ll find in your average holiday appetizer.
If I were making this recipe again, there’s one thing I would suggest changing. Put more BBQ sauce in the bottom of the shot glasses! That sauce is so tangy and delicious, trust me…you’ll want more.
Although I habitually buy the December issue of Martha Stewart Magazine — dazzled by the promise of a spectacular Christmas on its cover — I’ve never actually made a single holiday craft within its pages. I want to. I really do. But anything that requires mail ordering craft materials or investing in new cooking supplies gives me pause. Plus, spending the day making wreaths out of fallen twigs or assembling three-dimensional cookies is more than I can handle in December. I gravitate towards kitchen crafts you can make in under an hour rather than under a day.
Enter the newest addition to my holiday baking repertoire: Wild Blueberry Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies. A festive, easy and fun-to-make holiday cookie that marries the seasonal flavors of gingerbread with a quick homemade jam. No exotic spices or expensive made-to-order cookie cutters needed, only a working thumb, an ordinary plastic baggie and some delicious frozen Wild Blueberries.
This recipe riffs off a popular old-fashioned one, where you roll the dough into small balls and hollow out the centers with the press of a thumb. In this new version, the cookies get filled with tasty homemade fruit preserves before going into the oven to bake. Making your own jam is really simple. For this recipe, all you do is stir together Wild Blueberries and chia seeds. The seeds work their magic on the fruit, transforming it into a Wild Blueberry jam that’s well-suited to the flavors of gingerbread.
Speaking of gingerbread – that’s another departure from the classic one for this recipe. I’ve used gingerbread dough instead of the traditional shortbread kind. Plus, this new interpretation derives much of its sweetness from less processed sources (Wild Blueberries and honey), and is made with whole-wheat flour rather than the all-purpose white variety.
The one element of this cookie that does channel a bit of that Martha spirit is the white chocolate drizzle. It’s a purely optional finishing touch that can be accomplished by filling a simple plastic bag with melted chocolate, snipping off a corner, and getting your drizzle on. No fancy equipment, rarified craft supplies, or mail-order ingredients required.
If you’re following a specialized diet like paleo, vegan, gluten or dairy free, the holidays can be somewhat challenging, especially if you’re traveling and away from home visiting family. Plus for your hosts, when preparing indulgent treats for the holidays, these specialized dietary needs can provide an additional obstacle for many – especially if the ingredients are hard to find or something they’re not used to having on hand. For those trying out new recipes this holiday season to accommodate friends and family, we have five recipe recommendations that can accommodate these special diets that everyone is sure to enjoy?
Each recipe’s star ingredient is frozen Wild Blueberries. These tiny berries are full of intense blueberry flavor that’s also rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, and lower in sugar than ordinary blueberries. That punch of flavor will have everyone’s taste buds dancing, and everyone will feel included at the table.
Everyone loves donuts so whip up this vegan-friendly recipe created by Kathy Patalsky of Happy Healthy Life. They bake up fluffy and snackable, and they taste delicious. When your guests take their first bite, especially when they’re warm out of the oven, no one will even suspect these yummy little treats with Wild Blueberries in every bite are vegan. Don’t forget to add If Kathy’s Wild Blueberry glaze to add more flavor, color, and fun.
A delicious coffee cake is a welcomed addition to any breakfast or brunch. This dairy-free option, created by Laura Sanford of JoyFoodSunshine, is made with coconut milk and all-purpose flour but it can easily be adapted to be made with any milk alternative and gluten-free flour. The frozen Wild Blueberries add beautiful color and pops of intense blueberry flavor in every bite.
Fruit tarts are a gorgeous dessert for the holiday table and this gluten-free recipe by Katie Morford of Mom’s Kitchen Handbook is incredibly simple to make. Even the junior chefs in your home can get in on the action. The combination of gluten-free flours makes for a delicious, flaky crust that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture. And the Wild Blueberries really shine in this dish with their sweet, tart, and tangy combination of flavors.
Enjoying a slice of warm cornbread is something just about everyone enjoys, and this recipe from Alisa Fleming of GoDairyFree.org has been a crowd favorite since its debut. These mini loaves are adorable and packed with the delicious sweet and tangy flavors of Wild Blueberries., Alisa has also included a dairy-free “butter” that will take your cornbread to the next level.
Leave those eating-like-a-caveman myths at home! These paleo cookies by Gina Matsoukas of Running to the Kitchen are paleo-friendly and simply magical. Once you’ve said, “Chocolate!” no one will remember (or believe) that these delicious macaroons are paleo. Made with shredded coconut and maple syrup and combined with frozen Wild Blueberries for a beautiful purple treat that everyone will be raving about and asking for the recipe as they head home.
Thanksgiving honors the very best of tradition, but it’s also a chance to pull off some culinary surprises. After all, with your closest relatives gathered in one place for a traditional, time-honored feast, isn’t it just a little bit tempting (and a little thrilling) to add something bold and interesting to the table? With that in mind, here’s a sampler of must-try recipes that will add color, beauty, and a dash of the extraordinary to your Thanksgiving feast.
A cocktail
This Wild Blueberry Bourbon Smash is a stunning, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious way to start your Thanksgiving festivities. Made with six easy ingredients, including bourbon, maple syrup, and frozen Wild Blueberries, this cocktail adds color, flavor, and a special twist to your day.
An appetizer
If you’re tasked with supplying the appetizer for Thanksgiving, here’s a winner that no human can resist. This Wild Blueberry & Rosemary Stuffed Baked Brie combines almonds, honey, chia seeds, Wild Blueberries, and brie in a warm, irresistible puffed pastry.
A stuffing
Stuffing has come a long way since the days of rehydrated bread crumbs and spices. This Butternut Squash & Wild Blueberry Stuffing combines large pearl couscous, walnuts, butternut squash, and frozen Wild Blueberries to create a tasty, colorful, and nutrient-dense stuffing for any holiday table.
A relish
White or dark turkey meat is greatly enhanced (and moistened) with a tasty relish. This delicious Wild Blueberry & Ginger Relish will compliment to your Thanksgiving table with the bursting sweet, tart, and tangy flavors of Wild Blueberries. Note that while this recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare, it should be made the day before Thanksgiving, so it has time to set.
A bread
There was a time – before marriage and childrearing – when I made all my bread from scratch, but the idea of yeast and kneading is beyond me now, especially during the holidays. That’s why this Wild Blueberry Pull-Apart Bread recipe caught my attention. It’s not only beautiful and festive looking, but at the very end of this recipe, there’s a shortcut that gets it done faster. This little hack allows you to pull piping hot bread from the oven without all the work. Now that’s a Thanksgiving blessing!
A dessert
At my house, the Thanksgiving dessert table is something truly amazing to behold. It’s also a bit of a competition over who can make the winning dessert. We usually have chocolate cake, cheesecake, spice cake, cookies, and a large number of pies, including apple and pumpkin. But why not add a national favorite Wild Blueberry Pie to your Thanksgiving table too? This classic recipe is made especially gorgeous and festive with a lattice top.
Thanksgiving is all about tradition, and I would never advocate for ham, duck, or pot roast at any Thanksgiving Dinner, but adding a few colorful, tasty surprises to the table is a recipe for success. Happy Thanksgiving!
Can you believe that Thanksgiving is already around the corner? While for some that statement may elicit feelings of excitement, for most it conjures up anxiety about the never-ending holiday to-do list. What if, this year, instead of getting caught up in the holiday hysteria, you invested in some time-saving and self-care strategies to keep you grounded during the busiest time of year.
Prioritize the essentials. Make your holiday to-do list and then prioritize your list from essentials to non-essentials. Tackle the non-negotiables first like developing a Thanksgiving menu and ordering a turkey, and then if you still have time you can cross off the non-essentials like creating a centerpiece for the table and sending out holiday cards.
Invest in one small act of self-care daily. It’s so easy to put self-care on the back burner, especially during the holiday season, but this is when we need it the most! You don’t need to treat yourself to facials and pedicures every day but you can set aside five minutes daily to do something that feels grounding and replenishing, like meditating, journaling, or going for a walk.
Delegate, delegate, delegate. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Round-up your partner, your kiddos, and your friends to all chip in. Ask your family or friends to each bring a dish to your holiday gathering so you don’t have to turn your kitchen upside down, cooking up a storm for everyone. Ask your partner to help you with grocery store runs. Invite your kiddos to help with the food prep. Delegating can help relieve some of the pressure of having to do it all yourself.
Remember to nourish yourself. When life gets hectic, eating well can easily go out the window. When we are well-nourished, we have the energy to tackle our to-do list and show up as our best selves for our family and friends. Remember that nourishing meals and snacks don’t have to be complicated and time-consuming. Overnight oats with Wild Blueberries + cinnamon + walnuts is a quick and delicious breakfast. A smoothie with Wild Blueberries + banana + spinach + almond milk makes for a quick snack. Invest in nourishing foods that are quick and easy.
Use shortcuts in the kitchen to save time. Rather than peeling and chopping a whole butternut squash for your roasted vegetable, buy pre-chopped from the produce department. Buy pre-made dough for your pie crust. For my Wild Blueberry Pull-Apart Bread, use a can of refrigerated biscuits instead of making the dough from scratch. These seemingly small acts can add up to a lot of time saved in the kitchen.
Speaking of Wild Blueberry Pull-Apart Bread, you are going to love this for a holiday dessert or brunch this year. It’s sweet, light, and easy to place out and have guests pull apart for a piece. The Wild Blueberries add a vibrant color and a nutrition boost, too. (hello, 2x the antioxidants!).
Wishing you a delicious and stress-free holiday season!
