Blueberries Are Full Of Antioxidants

Blueberries are both good for us and delicious…especially in baking, such as in blueberry cake (see below) or muffins. There’s many reasons why they’re healthy but mainly they’re full of antioxidants, the substance found in food that helps neutralize the cellular damage caused by free radicals. They are high in vitamin C, contain fibre, help reduce urinary tract infections and may help control cholesterol problems. Plus, (and this is the one I like best) they may help slow down age-related mental loss.

Blueberries freeze really easily. so purchase lots when they’re in-season (which in now). Give them a rinse and freeze them flat on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, place the frozen berries into a freezer bags and use them throughout the year. They are great in muffins, cakes, smoothies, salads and fruit desserts.

Blueberries at Farmers Market

Blueberry Cake

Here’s a fantastic recipe to make with blueberries. You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries in this recipe.

Makes one cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups blueberries, frozen or fresh
Whipping cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 350° F,
Grease and 8 inch square (20x20cm) baking pan. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and set aside. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk; batter will be stiff. Spread 1/2 batter into prepared pan. Spread blueberries on top. Drop spoonfuls of remaining batter over blueberries and try to spread it out evenly (this is a bit tricky).

Bake for 50 minutes or until the cake is cooked and the tester comes out clean. Serve warm with whipping cream if desired.