A Yummy and Healthy Blueberry Christmas

When I was baking for my food business way back when I only had two kids (I now have five!), the Blueberry Muffin was one of my bestsellers. I only had access to canned USA Blueberries (Comstock brand) then, and it was hard to source frozen, more so fresh blueberries.

 

Times have changed! Blueberries are now readily available, thanks to USA Blueberries. There are now more options of canned, frozen, and fresh USA Blueberries that you can find in stores nationwide.

 

I enjoy cooking with blueberries. I love them in my pastries, jams, and dips. The burst of flavor is fantastic! It’s both sweet and tart, making them perfect ingredients for savory dishes, too.

 

But above all, I love this berry for the health benefits it provides the whole family. This nutrient-dense fruit is low in calories at only 80 per serving, rich in vitamin K that helps regulate blood clotting and packed with manganese for proper bone development. It is also a good source of vitamin C for a healthy immune system and dietary fiber that helps keep cholesterol in check.

 

Blueberries may promote good health in additional ways: cardiovascular health, brain health, exercise, insulin response, and gut health. My daughter is diabetic, and I am happy to know that blueberries can fit into a diabetes-friendly meal plan.

 

These lovely berries taste great, are healthy, and are fun to use in the kitchen! Seriously, what’s not to love about them?

 

I am sharing with you a dessert using four simple ingredients. I came up with these beautiful Danish pastries that go so well with tea or coffee.

 

USA Blueberry Danish Pastries

 

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen USA Blueberries, thawed

1 pack store-bought puff pastry

1 tub cream cheese

1 egg (lightly whipped)

optional, strawberry slices

optional, honey to sweeten

 

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 425F for 15 to 20 minutes.

2. While still cool, roll the sheets into an 8-10 inch square. Cut each square into 4 smaller 4-5 inch squares.

3. You will need 2 squares for one puff.  Cut out a square in the middle of 1 puff. Put it on top of the other puff.

4. Spread the cream cheese inside the square and top with blueberries (and sliced strawberry)

5.  Brush the pastry with the scrambled egg and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.

 

Additional note:

You may opt to mix heavy cream and vanilla into the cream cheese, but I just let the flavor of the blueberries shine without adding any sweetener.

 

A Blue Christmas – Recipe Contest by USA Blueberries

 

Allow me to announce an exciting contest where you can win P5,000 worth of GCs! Below are the mechanics:

 

·        The contest is open to all Filipino citizens based in the Philippines and must be at least 21 years of age.  No purchase is required to join the contest.

·        Post the photo/s of your USA Blueberries holiday dish using frozen and/or canned USA Blueberries on Facebook and Instagram.

·        Post must include full recipe and must mention and show the brand of USA Blueberries used.

·        Use the hashtags #ABlueChristmas #USABlueberriyRecipeContest #USABluberries #USBluberriesPHL and tag @usbluberriesphl and the influencer you follow (@joyfelizardo).

·        Participants may send multiple entries but can only win once.

·        Deadline for submission of entries is on Dec. 15, 2021.

·        There will be 10 winners.  Entries will be judged based on the following:

- USA Blueberries as the main ingredient – 50 points

- Originality – 25 points

- Visual impact – 25 points

·        Winners will be informed via private messages and announced on USHBC-Philippines’ social media.

·        Each winner will receive gift certificates worth P5,000.

·        The decision of the judges is final.  All entries will be considered property of USHB-Philippines.

 

Send your blueberry recipes now! Please make sure your recipes are fun, unique, and creative; remember that ORIGINALITY is worth 25 points!

 

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This article was written in partnership with USHBC in the Philippines. Visit www.blueberry.org and like and follow USHBC-Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more blueberry fun, cooking tips, recipes, videos, and trivia.