Raspberries

 

Reason No 89

Raspberries!  Fresh picked!

 

I have to say, I think raspberries are my favorite berry. They are such a burst of flavor plus, they make the best jams, jellies, preserves, and syrup.

Mayneland Farm here in Illinois has hundreds of bushes. While working for the farm, I learned that they are picked first thing in the morning. Any of the new bushes can be harvested in the second year.

 

The cost at the farmers market for these little jewels is over $5.00 for 1/2 a pint!  I can eat a full pint, while shopping and need another for the drive home. 

Reason # 89 to have a farm. The ability to eat all I want AND have some left over for the good preserves over the winter.

Raspberry Preserves poured over yogurt - my new favorite way to doctor up plain yogurt.

Such an easy recipe too.

Equal amounts berries and white sugar. Mix and bring to a slow boil then simmer until thick. It takes a bit but oh is it good!  

 

This is an added note to this post: I had a chance to harvest these beauties at their peak. They were too soft to sell and contained way too much liquid to hold shape. I made a small batch with all those that didn't make the sell cut.  The preserves were out of this world! The rich flavor that only ripe raspberries can have.