Blueberries

I get excited every time I open the refrigerator door and notice the special treat waiting on the shelf. 

My honey and I drove out to a beautiful blueberry farm early Monday morning. I love it out there. Just a short 20 minute drive from our suburban neighborhood, it is like entering another world. It was peaceful at first, as we walked down the well worn trail, white buckets in hand. The dew sparkled on the leaves, the birds were singing, and the sun was still low in the sky. The bushes were covered in blue, sweet, beautiful berries.

We picked the berries in silence. Talking seemed wrong somehow, there in the quiet morning with the sun’s gentle rays peeking through the branches.  Only the soft thump was heard as berries hit the bottom of the bucket when handfuls were dropped in. 

Soon more people began arriving. There were families and people of all ages, ready to enjoy their time together, picking little blue gifts from God. Being in the country, the sound traveled easily and I couldn’t help but smile as I heard the chatter of all the distant conversations. So many various sweet voices all at once and I wondered if that is how God hears prayer. I heard the laughter of children and remembered bringing our own children to this place when they were much younger.

(Two years ago my oldest daughter, little Tyler and I visited this farm also. She shared about it here. The photos of that precious little guy make me smile every time.)

Ninety minutes later our buckets were full and the sun was higher in the sky. We could definitely feel the humidity and heat of the summer day settling in and we headed for home.

Apple crisp is the dessert of choice in our family. It is made often, especially during the cold winter months, usually enjoyed fresh out of the oven with vanilla ice cream. I love how it makes the house smell like apples and cinnamon.

It seemed perfectly logical to try the recipe with blueberries and it didn’t disappoint. My favorite way to eat blueberries is plain or mixed with yogurt, however if you want a wonderful dessert, I highly recommend this. Below is the recipe I used.

Blueberry Crisp
(Adapted from the Betty Crocker's Cookbook)

3 1/2 cups of blueberries
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/3 cup softened butter

Heat oven to 375. Place berries in 8 x 8 x 2 pan (pie pan works also). Mix remaining ingredients thoroughly. Sprinkle over berries. Bake 30 minutes or until fruit is bubbling and topping is a golden brown. Serve with ice cream if desired.

Note: I have made this with apples only (use 4 cups of thinly sliced apples), or just blueberries. I have also made it with half berries and half apples. All are very good. Many times I double the recipe and make in a 9 x 13 pan.

I’m so thankful for those silly little berries. I love that God blesses us with something so healthy and yet so delicious. I’m thankful I’ll have fresh picked berries for the holiday weekend. But mostly, I’m thankful for the little slice of time spent picking berries with my honey.