Berries and Cream Flag

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4


This is something I did with the Activity Day girls in celebration of Independence Day. It was really easy and they did almost the whole thing!

1 qt. fresh strawberries
1/2 pt. fresh blueberries
1 can whipped cream

Wash and hull strawberries and place top-side down in rows in a small rectangle pan (like one used for a toaster oven), leaving a rectangle of empty space where the stars would go on an American flag. Wash blueberries and place in empty space. Using whipped cream, make stripes in between rows of strawberries and make a few "stars" in the blue section.

Fruity Pancake Topping

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Makes: About 2 cups (enough for 8 pancakes)

3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
2 to 4 Tbsp sugar (to taste)

1 to 2 Tbsp cornstarch, optional
Whipped cream

Put blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a microwave-safe bowl; mix well. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbling; stirring after each minute. Serve hot over warm pancakes or waffles. Top with whipped cream.

Variation: Substitute strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries for the blueberries.

My sister made something like this when Christian was at her house and now he requests it every time I make pancakes. I've tried to take a picture, but by the time I remember, it's almost all gone!

Blueberry Crumb Pie

Prep Time: 90 minutes
Serves: 8

This is Michael's favorite pie, so I have taken some pains to get it just right. I'll probably change it again, but here it is so far:

Filling:
3 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen*
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp flour

Preheat oven to 400F. Mix berries, sugar, and flour and put in an unbaked pie shell.

*If using frozen blueberries, increase flour to 3 to 4 Tablespoons.

Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1 stick cold butter, cut in quarters
3/4 cup quick oats
1/2 cup flour

Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until it forms lumps and butter is mixed in.

Top pie with crumbs, cover crust with strips of foil, and bake for about 1 hour.