Berries, Berries Everywhere

Summer is here (even though it has been quite cloudy/rainy lately) and that means delicious fruit is out and in abundance! Nowadays we can get strawberries, blueberries and raspberries throughout the year, but they are always more juicy and delicious during the prime summer months.

Since this Thursday June 17th from 4-8pm is the kick off of the Lincoln Square Summer Farmers Market, we at the Chamber have decided to feature a recipe each week about a different spotlight
ingredient for fun summer recipies. When anyone thinks
of summer fruit, the first ones that come to mind is an array
or berries: strawberries, blueberries,raspberries and blackberries.

Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, and Blackberries not only add fantastic color to our tables but offer us nutrition as well. These luscious fruits are free of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and a cup of raspberres offer eight grams of fiber for just 50 calories, while a cup of fresh blackberries provide half of your Vitamin C requirement for a day.

Eat these healthy fruits by themselves or incorporate into your diet in different ways:
- Add to bran muffins or whole wheat pancakes
- Try as toppings on your cereal or oatmeal
- Serve with low-fat yogurt for dessert
- Sprinkle on a spinach salad and serve with Vidalia onion dressing or balsamic vinegar
- Make a smoothie
- Use in salsas to serve with fish or chicken
- Add to frozen juice popsicles

For a fantastic smoothie, get creative and experiment with different berry combinations. To get started blend the following ingredients together:
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup low fat yogurt
1 cup fresh berries
1/2 cup of ice
For added sweetness, include a little honey or a splash of Orange juice
For extra fiber, include ground flaxseed

So get out to the Farmer's Market this Thursday and get some delicious berries!!