When warm weather brings the juiciness of ripe berries bursting with flavor, it’s time to put those tasty treats to good use. Fruit pies are not only wildly popular during the holidays, but also throughout the summertime when berry picking can take place in your own backyard. To enjoy a few ideas for pies made with berries, consider the following suggestions:
1. Three Berry Pie
Why settle for one kind of berry when you can have three? With a host of variations, Three Berry Pie usually consists of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries (or blackberries). One recipe for a 9-inch double crust pie calls for 1 cup of strawberries, 2 cups of raspberries and 1 ½ cups of blueberries. Other ingredients may include cornstarch and sugar.
2. Apple-Berry Pie
Use blackberries and apples to bake a pie that takes the typical apple pie recipe to new heights. Flavored with cinnamon, this berry pie tastes exceptional with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
3. Berry Custard Pie
Combine raspberries and blackberries in a light custard sauce and you’ll enjoy an irresistible dessert that is surprisingly low in fat. Using fat free sour cream helps to cut down on the calories. Cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract help add flavor to the pie. When choosing the right recipe, one serving of Berry Custard Pie can be as low as 165 calories.
4. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Blend the sweetness of freshly sliced strawberries with the tartiness of rhubarb to create a delicious summer pie. Some recipes use quick-cooking tapioca to achieve their consistency, while others create creamy custard filling. For added crunch and texture, opt for a crumb topping by combining 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in ½ cup butter or margarine until the mixture becomes crumbly. Spoon the topping mix over the filling and bake according to your recipe.
5. Huckleberry Cream Cheese Pie
Looking to try out a new berry? Huckleberries are small round berries that resemble blueberries. Growing wild in August throughout the Northwest (United States), some grocery stores carry the frozen berry. You can use fresh or frozen huckleberries to create a topping for your favorite cream cheese pie recipe. After cooling your pie, spread the huckleberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate until you’ll ready to dig in.
Whether you’re looking to feed your stomach or fuel your brain, there are many foods and ingredients that come with benefits. From loads of antioxidants to natural energy boosters, plenty of items allow you to indulge in Mother Nature’s deliciousness. Below you will find a collection of desserts and beverages that let you to tap into the healing and healthy power of food.
Berries: Fueling your brain with energy, berries are high in complex carbohydrates and possess their own health factors depending on the variety. Blackberries are packed with stress-preventing anthocyanins that work towards calming your brain during tension-filled situations. The antioxidants found in strawberries can boost your cognitive functioning. Cranberries have a high concentration of antioxidants that contributes to preventing brain cell damage associated with free radicals. The antioxidants in blueberries have been proven to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Watermelon: Watermelon is a low-calorie treat that increases energy levels and provides the body with nutrients. Perfect for warm weather days, consider transforming your watermelon slices into a Watermelon Cooler – often made with fresh lime juice.
Peppermint Tea: Enhance your productivity with peppermint tea, which increases your focus and performance.
