If you were able to stock up on fresh fruit, good for you, and if you’re not sure
what to make with those peaches, blueberries and blackberries, you’re in luck.

First up, Pies.
Yes, you may already have a recipe for a blueberry or peach pie, so go ahead
and use it, but what about soupy pies?
No, not making a soupy pie, but making one that isn’t soupy.

A lot of people love using blueberries, blackberries and peaches to make pies,
but many aren’t sure how to avoid making one that’s too soupy.
The secret to a non-soupy pie: Apples.
That’s right, another fruit to the rescue and now that it’s picking season, stock
up on fresh apples.
To make:
Add a half cup of grated apples to the fruit along with the other ingredients.
The pectin in apples acts as a natural thickener to add structure to the filling
without changing the sweet flavor.
Another tip: The apple will also work on cobblers-Peach, or Mixed Berries.

And now onto another simple tip for those extra berries.
If you enjoy fresh jam and don’t want to pay exorbitant prices for a fancy jar
and so-so tasting jam, make your own.
To make:
Clean and wash a pint of blueberries, blackberries or strawberries, and dry.
Place in a large bowl, add 2 Tbs. of chia seeds and 1 Tbs. of warm water.
And lastly, add 2 Tbs. of pure maple syrup; Stir well and place in large jar
or leave in the bowl, chill at least an hour before eating.
More tips:
You can add spices, (cinnamon, nutmeg) herbs, (chopped basil)
or extracts, (lemon, vanilla or chocolate) to make your jam really stand out.

That’s it, some tips to making your end of summer fruit purchases more
worthwhile.
Enjoy!

Sources:
* Farmers’ Market Magazine- April 2023 Edition
* First for Women Magazine-Sept. 25th Edition
* America’s Test Kitchen, Making the Perfect Pie,
Look for the book on the PBS website

Please pass this article on to family and friends who
enjoy buying and cooking pies and jams this time of year.
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Thank-You!