Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy fresh fruit including berries, but for many people regularly buying these nutritious treats can be too expensive. This is why so many people turn to frozen berries, as a cheaper but still delicious option. Smoothies are one option when you’ve filled your freezer with all the berries it can hold, but let’s explore alternative ways to put your haul to use.
Compote
Any mix of berries will work well for this. Take 1 cup of frozen berries and place them into a pan along with one tablespoon of honey. Stir until the berries have melted. Add a little cornstarch as a thickener (one teaspoon will do) and stir until it’s dissolved. Once served, the compote is perfect for enjoying over ice cream or yogurt.
Summer Crumble
Normally hearty winter fare, it is possible to make a lighter crumble which will make good use of berries in the summer months. Take 3 cups of oats, melt 2/3 cup of butter in a pan, and add the oats. Stir until the oats are covered in the butter, then add 3/4 cup of sugar or two tablespoons of honey. Allow to cool.
For the filling, stir 2 cups of frozen berries into 1/4 cup of melted butter and one tablespoon of honey or sugar. Add chopped bananas, a handful of nuts, or other additions if you wish. Allow the filling to cool, before ladling it into an oven dish. Top with the oat mix, then bake at 300°F for half an hour. Serve with custard, ice cream, or yogurt.
Salad Dressing
If you’re seeking a savory way of using your berries, try them in a salad dressing. Blend 1/2 cup of berries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half a teaspoon of vinegar, and some salt and pepper. You can also add a tablespoon of yogurt and some chopped dill, depending on the type of salad you’re dressing. Blend until smooth, taste, then pour over your salad.
