National Blueberry Pancake Day

I grew up in the Garden State, in the southern part of New Jersey where blueberries were abundant.  Something I learned was although blueberry picking can be fun, it can also be hard work that goes unrewarded if the berries don't make the trip home. 

If you are in the mood for berry picking, there are a few things you should know befor trekking off to the berry patch.  Watch this video for some great pointers on blueberries.  (photo from wikiHow)

Have you ever wondered how to pick the best and freshest blueberries from the market or field?  Here are a few things you should look for: 

Look for blueberries that have an even color with white blooms (if in the field). 

Choose blueberries that are purple-ish blue in color and not light blue.

Make sure blueberries are not pink or very small in size.
  
In the grocery store make sure the blueberries can move loosely in the package.  If they don't freely move in the container it could be that they are over-ripe and mushy or moldy.

Avoid buying frozen blueberries that seem to have large clumps in them.  This suggests that they have thawed out, refrozen or weren't frozen properly.
 
 

For over 100 years the Driscoll family has been selling berries that bring pleasure into our homes. It wasn't until the 1990's however that they introduced blueberries as part of their production.

You can learn more about this fruit giant, Driscoll's, and see this recipe for these great Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes on their website.

                                                                                                                   click on picturre
  

BRAND NEW - Polish pottery, square shape serving platter or novel 10" dinner plate. 

When I saw this great blueberry pattern and design, I thought what a great plate to use for serving those wonderful blueberry pancakes.  It also makes a nice piece just to display on the table.                                                                                                            click on photo to buy

When I was researching this article I wasn't sure what frying pan would be the best for my readers, so I asked around. I mean, after all...we're talking fantastic blueberry pancakes were at risk here.

Chef George was kind enough to share what he actually uses and feels is worth promoting. His first choice was this All-Clad 10" Fry Pan. However, even though it is a good Professional grade frying pan he, also stated that it isn't a non-stick pan. You would need to oil, spray or butter this pan before you use it (which most of us do already).

It is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended. (Lifetime warranty against defects.) Click on photo for details.

The Calphalon 10 inch Unison Omelette Pan was Chef's #2 pick. An excellent pan and it is non-stick, which is something I really like. Some people prefer to use a larger pan such as the 12" frying pan to cook more pancakes at one time. Although it may be fine for some, Chef recommends we stick to a 10" pan and that the 12" is too big. I suppose we just have to wait a little longer for our blueberry pancakes.

This pan can be used to make fabulous omelettes, those great blueberry pancakes and crepes. Let's not forget the meat eater in your family; try using the Calphalon Unison fry pan for outstanding fish or meat dishes. Clean-up is easy and you hardly need oil or butter.

There are several things I like about this pan. The sides are sloped so you can easily flip pancakes and omelettes (which I love to do and most of them land back in the pan). The handles stay cool when using it on the stove, plus it is dishwasher and oven safe (up to 500 degres F). Click on photo for details.

Driscoll's Blueberry Whole Wheat Pancakes make it a whole lot easier to eat healthier.  What better way to have fresh pancakes than to combine two healthy choices makng a great tasting pancake.  It's sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Good eating really stacks up with this recipe.  Check it out.
                                                                                              Click on the photo for details.                        

Allergies?  No worries with Driscoll's gluten-free blueberry pancake recipe.  This recipe could prove to be a favorite with flaxseeds added into the gluten-free flour.  It's definitely worth trying.

Top them with warm maple syrup and butter, and you've got it made.
                                                                                              click on the photo for details 

These Blueberry design tiles are commercial quality and grade.

Each tile is made from clay minerals and materials, and has a glossy finish.  

They are available in glass or ceramic and come in various size.  Click on the 
tile for details.

I could hardly believe it when I saw this product.  Yes, it coffee, blueberry coffee and its comes in caffinated and decaf.

Now the taste of coffee has just been made better with these great tasting Arabica gourmet coffee beans combined with the best blueberries.  This coffee is freshly roasted the day it is shipped.  You can't get much fresher than that.

 Want to satisfy that craving for blueberries?  Try this coffee.  It's sure to be "berry" good!
                                                                                                   Click on the photo to buy. 

January is National Pancake Month, and major restaurants are on board making it memorable.  One such company is IHOP.  For several years now IHOP has asked the Crowned Miss America to exchange her golden jewels and gown for a spatula and apron.  This year Laura Kaeppeler,  Miss America 2012 agreed to serve as spokesperson for IHOP's National Pancake Day in order to help raise money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Each year IHOP restaurants give millions of fluffy buttermilk pancakes away hoping their customers will make a donation to the hospitals.   For more information about IHOP and National Pancake Day click on the photo.

  

I love this potted fruit delight. The blueberry plant known as "Misty" is one of the most beautiful, hearty and vigorous Southern Highbush varieties on the market. 

It's perfect for growing zones 5-7 yieldng abundant fruit in the summer.  A blueberry lovers favorite.

                                                                                                      click on photo to buy

People who grow blueberries know that these plants are more than just a mere fruit bush.  Growers have long used blueberry plants as decorative plants in their bonsai gardens, because of their beautiful leaves and spring flowers.

Another attraction of this particular blueberry plant is that is doesn't get very big; only about 2 feet at maturity, and it is self-pollinating.  No need to have loads of extra plants for fruit to be pollinated.  It's perfect when space is a problem, and can be used indoors as well as outdoors in the summer. Click on photo for details.

Blueberries are fat free and only 80 calories per cup.

Blueberries are loaded with vitamin C, which has a variety of health benefits including maintaining healthy gums and immune systems.

Blueberries have fiber.  A handful of blueberries a day gives you the fiber you need, helps your heart and lowers cholesterol.

Blueberries are good producers of manganese, which is needed to help give energy.

Blueberries are a superfood when it comes to antioxidants, which helps to stabilize free radicals that cause cancer, diseases and heart problems. 

Visit the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council website for more information about the benefits of blueberries.  http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/health-benefits-of-blueberries/blueberry-nutrition/

There are hundreds of games to play, but why not start with the National Day of Pancakes game. That's right!  

See just how fast you can make pancakes without burning them.  You'll be "berry" glad you did. (from Games2Girls)
Click on the photo to play.

 

Fresh or frozen, blueberries have been proven to keep your heart, brain, and body healthy. See how much a cup of berries a day can do for your health by looking at what the experts at these websites have to say about our beloved blueberries.

 

Read more at Suite101: Top Five Health Benefits of Blueberries: Good Things Come In Small Packages | Suite101.com http://heather-loney.suite101.com/top-5-health-benefits-of-blueberries-a184459#ixzz1jwgeu7yE
http://www.bewellbuzz.com/superfoods/the-benefits-of-blueberries-are-more-than-just-antioxidants/
http://www.blueberryextract.com/herbal-remedies/blueberryextract/blueberry-benefits
http://www.livestrong.com/article/398835-the-benefits-for-eating-blueberries/
http://www.womenfitness.net/blueberries.htm
http://www.rodale.com/how-maximize-health-benefits-blueberries
http://www.blueberry.org/faq.htm

Artist Luis Marden captured the beauty of the rolling open fields in his "Women Pick Blueberries on a Hillside Overlooking Bar Harbor" photograph.

Digitally printed on archival photographic paper "Women Pick Blueberries" will be the perfect addition to any wall.

Photographic Print Title: Women Pick Blueberries on a Hillside Overlooking Bar Harbor Artist: Luis Marden Size: 30 x 40 inches             
                                                                                               Click on photo for details. 

http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/press/2006/approved/press060615.html http://newfarm.rodaleinstitute.org/features/0803/NJ%20blue/index.shtml http://www.pineypower.com/blueberries.htm http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/blueberrybulletin/ http://www.emerysfarm.com/ http://www.whitesbog.org/ http://www.dimeoblueberryfarms.com/about

Have some fun and be creative with these ideas:

Why not serve blueberry pancakes to the entire office or your place of work.

Have a blueberry pancake skillet flipping contest. (Don't waste the food.)

Make blueberry pancake grilled cheese sandwiches. (I haven't tried this yet.)

Make blueberry pancake kabobs.

Try making pancake crepes with blueberries and your favorite toppings.  

Have a blueberry pancake church breakfast.

Make it an entire blue day with all blue foods.    

Why not dress in all blue.

Have a contest for who can eat the most blueberry pancakes in one minute.   

Have a grill off to see who can make the best tasting blueberry pancakes.
   
Prizes could be blueberry beverages, the Ty Blueberry Bear or other gifts I've suggested.      
 

Blueberries can help lower cholesterol.
Blueberries improve motor skills.
Blueberries help promote urinary tract health.
Blueberries are natural anti-depressants.
Blueberries can help you lose weight and reduce body fat.
Blueberries increase brain function to reduce memory loss.
Blueberries contain lutein for eye sight and night time vision. 
Blueberries for the heart to help reduce arterial plaque.
Blueberries helps constipation & promotes good digestion.
Blueberries antioxidants help reduce the aging process, improve hair, nails and skin.  Click on diagram for more facts. 

To take the bitterness out of a smoothie
try adding these ingredients:

blueberries
almond butter 
apricot nectar 
                                                                             Click photo for recipe ideas.