The Super Fruit

FROM PANCAKES TO POPSICLES, BLUEBERRIES ARE THE ALL-AMERICAN BERRY AND STAR OF THE SHOW.

STYLING BY TAYLOR BENNETT | PHOTOS BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

Blueberries are one of the most nutritious, antioxidant-rich types of fruit in the world. They have been shown to do everything from enhance brain health, keep your heart strong and help fight cancer. This super fruit might be tiny, but packs a huge punch when compared to its berry companions. And besides their health benefits, the blueberry is a great addition to any recipe and picking them makes for a fun family outing.

If you are looking for a summer treat for the whole family, the little blueberry farm in West Monroe is a great way to get fruity. Butler Blueberry Farms opened on June 4th, and the BayouLife crew was among the first foragers. Located at 735 Ole Highway 15, the farm allows families to come pick blueberries for only $11/gallon. We used our fresh harvest for delicious gluten-free pancakes and homemade blueberry popsicles The recipes are available on the following pages.

GLUTEN-FREE BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose blend flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. gluten-free baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 large egg
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup fresh blueberries

Measure dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. In a separate bowl beat the egg until foamy. Then add olive oil and buttermilk and combine.

Add dry ingredients to egg mixture and whisk until the batter is smooth. Stir in fresh blueberries.

On medium heat, add one teaspoon of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet. Drop about 1/4 of the blueberry pancake batter into the hot oil. Cook until golden brown and then flip. Serve with blueberry sauce and syrup.

HOMEMADE BLUEBERRY POPSICLES

THE GLUTEN-FREE BLUEBERRY POPSICLE COMBINES ARE SUPER SIMPLE AND PACKED WITH PROTEIN. EASY AND DELICIOUS FOR KIDS AND GROWN-UPS ALIKE. Modified from sallysbakingaddiction.com

Ingredients:

2 cups blueberries
3 Tablespoons honey
2 cups Greek yogurt (vanilla or other flavor)

You will also need a popsicle mold.

Blend the blueberries in a food processor or blender on high speed until nearly liquified into a smoothie-like consistency

Pour the thick blueberry liquid into a large bowl. Stir in the honey. Add the yogurt and very gently mix everything together. Taste the mixture and if you’d like it a little sweeter, add more honey.

Pour mixture evenly into each popsicle mold. If your popsicle mold has slots for sticks, you can insert them before freezing – if not, freeze for 2 hours, then put a wooden popsicle stick in the middle (that is what I did). Continue to freeze for an additional 4-6 hours or overnight.

Run popsicle molds under warm water to easily remove.