Blueberry Picking and a Summer Salad with Microflowers and Berries #SundayFunday

Today the Sunday Funday group is making what host Renu of Cooking with Renu called magic with berries. Thanks to Stacy of Food Lust People Love, Sue of Palatable Pastime, Rebekah of Making Miracles, and Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm for coordinating this low-stress group. Here's our berry-licious line-up...

• Berry Spinach Salad by Making Miracles
• Blackberry Spinach Salad by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Blueberry & Grape Smoothie by Mayuri's Jikoni
• Blueberry Picking and a Summer Salad with Microflowers and Berries by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Eggless Strawberry Banana Muffin by Cook with Renu
• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Sandwiches with Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Sparkling Strawberry Cocktail by Food Lust People Love
• Summer Berry Turnovers by Karen's Kitchen Stories

Blueberry Picking

There are so many different berries from which to choose. But I have been longing to get back our to Harkins Slough to pick blueberries. High Ground Organics hasn't opened up to the public in years...as you can tell from how little my boys are. So, I figured that I'd write about it and throw that wish out in the universe that we'd like to do it again. I'm only half kidding.

Summer Salad with Greens, 

Microflowers, and Berries

 

This isn't really a recipe, per se, but it's a lovely addition to any summer table, so I wanted to share it and hope it inspires you! Greens, edible flowers, berries - blueberries for this version! - and your favorite salad dressing. Place in a bowl and toss. That's it! 

But, just for fun, here's my favorite berry vinaigrette. This sweet and tart dressing is made with pureed berries, honey, vinegar, and oil. Since the berries are pureed in the dressing, it doesn’t matter if they are a little overripe. Just avoid any moldy berries. For this week, I used organic blueberries, but I've done the same process with strawberries, blackberries, and even golden raspberries. Get creative.

Blueberry Vinaigrette

• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 Tablespoon honey (I used a Sardinian honey made from thistle) 
• 5 Tablespoons red wine vinegar 
• 1/3 cup olive oil 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine the blueberries, honey, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor or blender and puree until very smooth, about 2 minutes. 

That's a wrap for our Magic with Berries event. The #SundayFunday crew will be back next week with Sue of Palatable Pastime leading our discussion of a Midsummer Night's Dream. Can't wait.