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When it comes time to pick up some fresh fruit at the farmers market or grocery store, odds are that if you aren’t reaching for berries of one color, you are reaching for berries of another.  It seems that we love blueberries only slightly less than we love strawberries which is great news for both our health and our waistline.  But if all you do is pop a handful in your mouth for a quick treat, you are missing out on some of the best ways to enjoy these bright blue berries.  Here are some great ways you can boost your day with a blast of blueberries.

1.     Pour them on Pancakes

Blueberries made a marvelous addition to a pancake breakfast.  There is something simply spectacular about feeling the juicy berries burst in your mouth with each bite you take.  But don’t just put them in the batter; they are also perfect when made into pancake syrup.   Try this recipe for Blueberry Pancakes from the Food Network and check your local shops for blueberry syrup.  If you can’t find any where you live, you can always make your own like the syrup in this recipe from Nourishing Meals.

2.     Spread them on Toast

Next time you buy jam or jelly, look past the regular flavors and try something special.  Jams and jellies made with blueberries are wonderful all year round.  You can also make your own from scratch with some simple canning know-how and one of these easy recipes from Taste of Home and Food.com.

3.     Put them in Pie

While apple pie may be America’s favorite, blueberry pie is definitely in the top five.  Top-off a slice of this classic pie from Betty Crocker with some homemade whipped cream for a summer dessert treat that cannot be beat.

4.     Make them into Muffins

Make mornings special with warm, soft blueberry muffins fresh from the oven.  Try this delicious recipe from Fill Your Plate to make every morning magical.  Here’s a hint!  When baking with frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them first unless the recipe specifically tells you to and add a little instant tapioca to your batter.  This will help keep the blueberries from bleeding into the batter and help absorb some of the juices without changing the overall flavor.

5.     Get Creative with Cake

Now cake is not usually something that pops right into your head when you think of blueberries, but there is no reason not to let these delicious fruits steal this show too.  Blueberries make an excellent addition to coffee cakes like this one from The Repressed Pastry Chef.

6.     Sprinkle on Stuff

Blueberries are also great without all the extra work and fanfare.  Grab a handful, wash them in cold water, and toss them in with your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, or even your salad.  They provide a splash of color and a burst of heart-healthy anti-oxidants in every bite.

7.     Rethink your Drink

Looking for a way to refresh your morning smoothie?  Try adding blueberries or blueberry juice for a little extra kick and a unique tart flavor.

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