Wild Berries!

I never imagined wild berries growing just blocks from my house - free to pick for anyone who is willing to tackle their thorny vines. We spent the latter part of July and early August picking blackberries. I would take a pint tupperware out with me on my daily walks with Caffrey, our dog, and was always able to fill my container. So, needless to say, blackberries were a staple in our diet over the summer months. I made berrie pies, muffins, and coffee cakes.


Huckleberries are also available (FREE if you are willing to hike for them!) in September. We went on a great hike with our neighbors and spent more time amidst the huckleberry bushes than hiking! If you've never had huckleberries they are just fabulous! They are most like a blueberry but much smaller and more flavorful - a bit of a wild taste! They take forever to pick because of their size. Which is likely why they cost so much at the farmers markets. Steve and I picked nearly a gallon. We came home and had huckleberry waffles for dinner and pancakes for breakfast the next morning. I froze the rest and am looking forward to popping them out and baking this winter!

Just a few weeks ago I received an email from someone in my neighborhood who had just harvested her concord grapes! She was giving them away - first come first serve. So, I couldn't resist....I came home with 2 grocery bags full of concord grapes. I froze them and am hoping to make jelly anyday now.