I don't grow all that many edible things in the garden; chives, mint, raspberries (a new introduction this year), beetroot (for the first time this year) and blueberries (one plant, 'Goldtraube', originally and two more added this year, 'Blue Pearl'). I have found that 'Goldtraube has been an excellent plant, producing lots of berries. Last year it managed enough for five lots of little cakes. This year, so far, I'm on the second batch of cakes.
Every day there are more luscious fruits to collect and they seem to be ripening almost in front of my eyes! I love the grey bloom on the skins. I don't really enjoy raw blueberries as I am always disappointed that they are not full of juice.
However, when they are added to a basic sponge mix, they are lovely!
Baking them in a cake does seem to bring out more juice and the slightly tart flavour of the fruit contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake mixture.
(I posted something very similar about the blueberries in July 2012 which shows things are still a little bit behind where they were last year, despite the baking hot weather we had in July this year. I consider the blueberries to be one of my small gardening successes and I hope you don't mind me repeating myself a bit.)
Haha, repeating yourself is not bad at all, especially when it's something nice ;-).
ReplyDeleteThose cakes look sooooo delicious! Love from Mirjam.
Dear Mirjam
DeleteThank you. The cakes are very delicious and it is very easy to eat a few without noticing that they have gone!
Best wishes
Ellie
HI Ellie, Your blueberries look wonderful.Mine havent done so well this year, I dont know why, we have picked very few. Sadly making muffins with them wont be an option because I'm trying to maintain my target weight at Weightwatchers!
ReplyDeleteDear Anne
DeleteThank you. 'Goldtraube' has done well this year, possibly because we have had lots of rain earlier in the year, which it loved. I have also potted it on into a bigger tub and perhaps that has made a difference too.
Congratulations on reaching your target weight.
Best wishes
Ellie
I love blueberry muffins, and I may even have some blueberries in the fridge ... now there's a thought ...
ReplyDeleteDear Annie
DeleteThank you. There is indeed a very good thought. I hope you enjoy them.
Best wishes
Ellie
Yes, I agree, blueberries are nicer when used in things rather than eaten alone. I love blueberry muffins, and blueberry and banana smoothie for breakfast is pretty good too. x
ReplyDeleteDear Gillian
DeleteThank you. I haven't thought of trying blueberries in a smoothie, so thanks for the idea. More cakes are on the cards for today.
Best wishes
Ellie