Blackberry Balsamic BBQ Ribs

380.  Blackberries are ripening right now and we foraged for them today.  We picked roughly 5 quarts of these "black beauties".  They were somewhat sweet but there was that lovely tang to them as well. This is antioxidant heaven!  So I froze  several bags full but made sure we used them for a special dinner.
With ribs on the menu, I decided to make a Blackberry Balsamic BBQ sauce and use our fabulous blackberry balsamic from Lucero's Oil. (Which, I am sad to say, Luceros has gone out of business.)

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The flavor was outstanding!  And this was a stunning recipe both in flavor and presentation.

I also used blackberries on our salad and drizzled with blackberry balsamic and olive oil.  This was a lovely compliment along with a side of whipped cheesy sweet potatoes.

So if you see blackberries along the side of the road...don't just drive by, stop and pick some for your dinner tonight or to toss on the top of your yogurt for breakfast.

"So it is with blackberries.  If you pull too hard, you may get the berry but you will lose the sweetness of it.  On the other hand, if you leave it, it may be gone the next time you come by.

Each person must find this point of equilibrium for himself."

~  Robert Finch, "Death of a Hornet"

Four Berry Pie

372.  This past Memorial Day was a special time to remember all those fallen in battle to gain our freedom.  We are thankful for their sacrifices.
I took time that day to make a special meal and to make a Four Berry Pie for dessert with a Coconut Oil crust.  The berries included Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry and Blackberry.

Here is my recipe:

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 I am proud of my heritage, my father, my family, my husband who served bravely in WWII, Korean and Vietnam War and who actively helped to gain our freedom.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” 

~  Ronald Reagan

"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." ~  Franklin D. Roosevelt

"The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men."           ~  Minot J. Savage

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."  ~  Adlai E. Stevenson II

"Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem."   ~  Ronald Reagan

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."   ~  Unknown

"For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue."   ~  James A. Garfield

Cupcakes

338.  Cupcakes.  Wouldn't you just love one right now?  Chocolate, Vanilla or Carrot Cake Cupcake? No matter the flavor, a cupcake is always a delightful treat.  Satisfies me every time.  

My beautiful niece was engaged to be married and asked if I would whip up several batches of cupcakes for her Bridal Shower.  What an honor to be a part of her celebration in life.  The shower was held at a winery and our setting was on the back patio overlooking the vineyard.

So I chose to make three varieties:  Lemon Raspberry,  Salted Chocolate Caramel and Vanilla Blackberry.  

The Lemon Raspberry cupcakes were made from scratch with lemon cake, raspberry buttercream and raspberry jam filling topped with a fresh raspberry and lemon zest.

The Salted Chocolate Caramel cupcakes were made from scratch as well with a chocolate cake, caramel buttercream and fresh caramel placed in the center and drizzled across the top, then sprinkled with Flur d sal. 

The Vanilla Blackberry cupcakes were made from scratch with a vanilla cake, blackberry buttercream and blackberry jam filling topped with a fresh giant blackberry.

We had a lovely day and the beautiful bride-to-be was showered with love.

 My sweet sister was the hostess extraordinaire.  She designed all the flower arrangements and painted a masterful copy of their invitation.  Every detail was perfect...cupcakes included!

And, "They lived happily ever after."

"When you hold a cupcake, sorrow disappears."

~ Anonymous