Top Ate Blueberry Recipes

August 2, 2014

The increasing price of buying blueberries in the store has started to drastically decrease our family's consumption. How sad, right? So, last week, when a friend asked me to join her for blueberry picking at a local farm, I jumped at the chance. I'd never been blueberry picking before. Yes, I know. Insert giant gasp here. I'm typically not a dirt-digging, tractor-riding, country kind of gal, but to my surprise, it was actually quite therapeutic. After riding in the back of a truck out to the field, I was handed a bucket that hung around my neck to collect the goods. The sweeter-than-sweet berries fell right off the branch into my hands when touched, making it the entire process super easy. Admittedly, some of the berries didn't make it from my hands into the bucket and took a detour to my mouth. That was totally for quality control. The best part? I paid half as much as the store and got twice as many berries. So, with five pound of blueberries burning a whole in my bucket, I was almost giddy about the endless recipe possibilities.
I also had no idea that blueberries are so freezer friendly. First, flash-freeze them on a cookie sheet. Then transfer to a re-sealable plastic bag and store for up to a year. I actually like to eat them frozen, but they can be thawed and used just like fresh blueberries in any of the Top Ate Blueberry Recipes.

Blueberry Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: This is my version of heaven on earth. The lemon cream cheese frosting has just the right amount of sweetness and pairs perfectly with the blueberries in the cupcakes. You must try this recipe! I'll repay you in virtual cocktails. See below.

Blueberry Lime Granita with Cava: Granita is like a Slurpee...only better because it's made with booze and without sugary chemicals. Yup, that's right, thank me later.

Frozen Greek Yogurt Covered Blueberries: This blueberry treat is way too easy to actually be called a recipe. After dipping blueberries in Greek yogurt, freeze them for pop-able sweet frozen treats all summer long!

Blueberry Syrup: As I sit here typing this blog post, I am enjoying a blueberry coffee with this syrup. I would most certainly be napping right along with The Finnster without it and it's only 1:00 PM. I've also used it in other things like this Lemon Blueberry Vinaigrette and over these scones.

Blueberry and Brie Pizza with Caramelized Onions: This pizza showcases subtle sweet and savory flavor combinations better than any dish I've recently had. The sweetness in the caramelized onions and blueberries pairs perfectly with the brie and mozzarella cheese. The best part: The Finnster loves it too!

American Flag Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Blueberries may not be the star ingredient in this cake, but they certainly are a crucial part of the recipe. Using a boxed cake mix and homemade cream cheese frosting, this cake comes together in a cinch. A homemade cake recipe is included for the more adventurous bakers.

Lemon Blueberry Vinaigrette: It's not weird, I swear. It's amazing. Try it with this or this or instead of one of THESE!

Blueberry Oat Bars: Made with simple all-natural ingredients, these oat bars were devoured by my son and his playgroup friends.