July is National Blueberry Month! Therefore, it is the perfect time to celebrate these perky sweet berries with a no fuss recipe that is as “easy as [blueberry] pie,” no actually, MUCH easier! It can hardly be called a recipe it is SO SIMPLE, but I guarantee that you and your family will adore it!
Super Simple No-Guilt Blueberry Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Add blueberries to a small saucepan along with water. Bring to boil on medium high and then turn down heat to medium low to allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to slightly mash the berries.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Makes about 7 tablespoons.
Notes
- Want your syrup sweeter? Add a bit of stevia or honey or maple syrup to intensify the sweetness. Sweetener can be added once the berries have cooked. If adding honey/maple syrup, stir in 1 tsp increments until it reaches your desired sweetness.
- Once the blueberry syrup is refrigerated, it thickens into a jam/preserves-like consistency. It can then be spread on whole grain toast or muffins.
- You can also freeze the syrup in 1 or 2 tablespoon servings in an ice cube tray. After the cubes are completely frozen, remove and place them in a plastic storage bag until you want to use. The frozen cubes can be added to a smoothie for remarkable flavor without watering it down or used as “ice” in your water.
- Double or triple the recipe to make extra, but use a medium size saucepan.
Pancakes and syrup may be the quintessential pairing, but this blueberry syrup can be added to various dishes to add gourmet flair OR can be used as a sweetener instead of sugar. Here are a few creative ways to try it out:
- Tea– Add a tablespoon or 2 to your iced tea (herbal or regular) for a refreshing twist.
- Yogurt– stir in 2-3 tablespoons of blueberry syrup into plain greek yogurt. You will save money buying the large container of greek yogurt instead of higher priced individual cups AND you will save yourself from the calories of the sugar sweetened ones.
- Pancakes– use as syrup in place of maple syrup on whole grain pancakes or waffles.
- Oatmeal– sweeten your bowl of oats with blueberry syrup. Add a few slivered almonds on top for a delicious and filling breakfast.
- Vinaigrette Salad Dressing– add a couple of tablespoons to a homemade vinaigrette dress in place of honey or another sweetener. The slightly sweet dressing is perfect over salad greens with fresh fruit and some tangy, soft cheese like feta.
- Sparkling Water Mocktail– muddle 6-8 mint leaves in the bottom of a glass; add 3 tablespoons blueberry syrup and 4-6oz sparkling water (plain or lemon lime flavor) for a refreshing mocktail with less than 40 calories and no added sugar! Serve with a few fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint.
Now go eat some ‘berry’ tasty food!
TRUTH: I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. —Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NIV)
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