Berries and Running Free

Instead of posting photos of our day, I thought I'd try a "home video" (my husband was such a sport helping me with this!) .. no glam squad or editing.. so it's kinda silly,  but I thought it would be fun to do something different.  My favorite friends in Blog Land are the ones that share personal things.  They are also the ones that always have something kind and thoughtful to say to others.  Putting yourself out there is a wonderful way to show people who you really are.

The Blueberry

Considered a super-food, blueberries are high in antioxidants that help our cells fight free-radical damage that can harm us.  If placed in a zip lock bag and refrigerated,  berries will last about a week. I like to add blueberries to a mixed green salad, mix with my favorite yogurt or use as a topping for ice cream.

On a weekday I add some frozen blueberries to my breakfast shake.  Blueberries are delicious in pancake batter or sometimes prepared as a simple compote in place of maple syrup. 

When I'm not working I look forward to trading my skirts and heels for a pair of cut off jeans and boots or sandals. A walk in our local wooded area is always a treat and I feel blessed to have this so easily accessible.

I would like my own chickens but my husband says they are very stinky and messy.  Watching them running free and feeding is so much fun. Bantam hens are my favorite because of their unique head-tops. I tried to get pictures but they weren't cooperating! The smell of farms, horses, hay, chickens .. there's something peaceful about all this. The wide open space, sitting on a horse.. running free.   

In the spirit of summer .. how does a Root Beer float sound?  We had lunch at a local burger spot and the guys walked up with these!

You have to splurge every now and then, right?  And a hot summer day is the perfect time for a frothy shake!

My favorite blueberry pancake recipe

Adapted from Bon Appetite

1 1/4 cup flour
1/8 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sour cream
1 egg
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Whisk the  remaining wet ingredients. Add to the dry ingredients, paying attention not to over mix. The batter will be a little lumpy and thick.  If you need to add another splash of buttermilk for a thinner pancake, do it.  
 Heat your grill to medium. Pour your batter on a lower heat than normal because these pancakes are thick and will cook slower.  
 To make a compote, I place blueberries in a pan with a little sugar and water and cook it down to a syrup-like texture and then pour it over pancakes hot off the grill.  These are addicting!

Next.. Waffles in Belgium

Have a wonderful week!

xx
leslie

Music by My Bubba and mi