So here is the scoop.  I took some time to dive back into the zestycook.com archives and browse over what has transpired over the last 12 months.  It has been exciting and I am really having a blast blogging.  Sometimes I wonder what it is like to be on the other end and reading what I write.  Some posts are better than others but overall they are not too bad (if I do say so myself).  My goal with zesty has always been to deliver great content for pure enjoyment or to help solve a problem.

The problem could be that you are starving and need a fun, simple recipe.  Or how to thicken the sauce that is way to thin and your guests are sitting in the dining room.  I really want you to enjoy coming here everyday and so for that I try to deliver some practical ideas, fun posts, simple recipes, healthy ideas and of course great pictures.

With that being said, I decided on a last minute recipe when I found out some guests were coming over about 90 minutes before dinner.

I poked around the fridge and I saw some fresh picked blueberries and raspberries - I was excited.  I then knew that I had just bought some Vanilla frozen yogurt (which seems to go well with fruit ).  Then for some reason  I thought all this in a puff pastry would be superb.  Both light and slightly sweet but not too overwhelming after a big dinner. All i needed was some puff pastry – off to the grocery store I go.  Don’t go to far – I will be back!

And I am back!  This dessert simply rocked! Stupid easy yet so powerful. Here is how it came together.  I ended up finding some prepared fresh pastry at the bakery – so that was a bonus.

Ingredients

• 6 Puff Pastry
• 1 Cup Blueberries
• 1 Cup Raspberries
• 2 Tbsp. Apple Juice
• 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Tsp. Corn Starch
• 2 Tbsp. Water
• 6 Scoops of frozen Yogurt

Method

1. Warm a saucepan over medium heat; melt brown sugar, apple juice and berries.  Stir slowly for about 6-10 minutes.
2. Bring to a slow boil, as the berries break down the sauce will loosen.  If the sauce is too thin, mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl and add to the sauce.
3. Once you add it to the sauce bring back to a full boil to ensure the cornstarch will activate to its full thickening power.
4. Slowly monitor the sauce, if it becomes to thick, simply add more apple juice or water.
5. Place pastry in plate and spoon frozen yogurt inside, then cover with sauce.
6. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: Buying fresh berries in season can be a great way to stock up for the winter.  To freeze them effectively,  line them on a cookie sheet with some parchment paper and freeze them for a few hours, than you can bag them (they will not stick together).

The 10 minute dessert had some rave reviews which is always good.  It is nice to finish off the meal on a high note in case the guests come back again.  It is hard to believe another week is gone and a long weekend coming up.  Tell me your big weekend plans.
Take care

zesty

Happy Thursday to you!!  Well I am on the road today to the Nova Scotia passport office.  We need to get the kids passports as we are planning a road trip to Boston in the middle of August.  Boston you say? Yes Boston!  I am attending the Healthy Living Summit on August 15th.  I am very excited and looking forward to presenting at the conference.

On to the topic of the day… blueberries.  I was driving home from the office today and I decided to stop by the super market and pick up a few things.  As soon as I walked in the door I saw a big blueberry stand.  I was thrilled and picked up a couple of boxes.  One for the drive home, and one for later.

Did you realize that BLUEBERRIES are amazing for you?

How to choose a good Blueberry

Blueberries are literally bursting with nutrients and flavor, yet very low in calories.  Choose blueberries that are firm and have a lively color. Shake the container, noticing whether the berries have the tendency to move freely; if they do not, this may indicate that they are soft and damaged or moldy. Avoid berries that appear dull in color or are soft and watery in texture. When purchasing frozen berries, shake the bag gently to ensure that the berries move freely and are not clumped together, which may suggest that they have been thawed and refrozen.

Blueberry Tips

Fresh berries are very fragile and should be washed briefly and carefully and then patted dry if they are not organic. Wash berries just prior to use to avoid prematurely removing the protective bloom that resides on the skin’s surface.  When using frozen berries in recipes that do not require cooking, thaw well and drain prior to using. For cooked recipes, use frozen berries since this will ensure maximum flavor.  Extend the cooking time a few minutes to accommodate for the frozen berries.

A few quick serving ideas

Add frozen blueberries to your breakfast shake. Fresh or dried blueberries add a colorful punch to cold breakfast cereals. For a deliciously elegant dessert, layer yogurt and blueberries in wine glasses then top with granola.

Try some blueberry toast , a  simple berry smoothie or a savory dish with blueberries and chicken.

So there you have it!  Zesty does blueberries.  I hope you have a great day and I will see you on Friday for the week’s end.

Take care

zesty