If you find yourself with a bounty of berries, there are some incredible options for baking and cooking your extras. Use these ripe fruits in a few of our recipes on the CHEF iQ App, like Mixed Berry Jam, or add a handful of berries to our Yogurt or Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oats. Berries also add a pop of color to all kinds of desserts, from Crème Brûlée to Challah Bread Pudding, or even Chocolate Lava Cakes!
While you can always use them to bake a pie, here are less involved ways to prepare all those berries.
Garnish your cocktails. Place washed berries on a parchment-lined plate and freeze overnight. Transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag and store them for up to 6 months. Use these frozen bites to shake up beverages from seltzer to prosecco!
Make a sweet sorbet. Purée a handful of frozen berries and a drizzle of honey, and turn it into a quick, dairy-free frozen treat or smoothie bowl!
Pickle to pack a punch. This unexpected way to use berries is also super easy. Pack 2 cups of berries in a jar or resealable container. Bring 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 to 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and star anise or a few cardamom pods to a boil. Pour it over the berries and let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 1 month. Serve some on grilled meats, tossed into a salad, or as part of a savory cheese platter.
Create a tasty compote. Cook berries in a pot with a little water or orange juice, stirring and mashing as they begin to break down. This makes for a tasty topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes!
Dehydrate for delicious, long-lasting snacking. Spread the fruit out on baking sheets and place in a 250°F oven for 4 to 5 hours. For larger berries like strawberries and blackberries, slice thinly. For smaller berries like blueberries and raspberries, wash and leave whole. Let cool, and then pack in airtight containers. Pro tip: You can also crush them to a powder, and you can sprinkle berry magic on anything you please!
Skewer and grill. Thread berries onto soaked bamboo skewers, brush lightly with oil, and grill until lightly charred. You can also toss grilled berries with mint simple syrup and some lime juice, and serve over pound cakes for the perfect dessert.
