Whether your last u-pick adventure with the fam was a whopping success (you have the bushels and buckets of fruit to prove it) or you want to savor the last berries from your CSA box, it’s time for a bit of recipe inspiration. From easy-peasy blackberry jam to homemade berry Newtons and apple chips, we’ve rounded up a select bunch of ideas to maximize on summer’s bounty. Scroll down for 11 fruitful ways to cook with the kids.
1. 10 Minute Blackberry Jam
The magic trick behind this ultra-quick blackberry jam is getting the right consistency while cooking on the stove top. With minimum prep and a little bit of heat, you’ll have tasty jam for the whole fam. Get the how-to here.
2. Baked Apple Chips
If an apple-picking adventure left you with bushels of apples, consider this: baked apple chips! It’s a sweet and crispy snack for after school, movie marathon couch sessions, and more. Head here for the recipe.
3. Berry Newtons
These homemade berry newtons have all the familiarity of the store-bought version but with a major homemade twist. Â The crust uses whole wheat flour and flax seed, the berry filling goes easy on the sugar, and the result is the perfect size for little hands. Snag the recipe here.
4. Berries Sorbet
Did somebody say sorbet? Don’t put your ice cream machine away just yet, because this very berry treat is a great way to use up your u-pick haul. Find the instructions here.
5. Frozen Greek Yogurt & Coconut Covered Strawberries
Need a pop-in-your-mouth and eat-on-the-go snack? The kids will love these frozen berries that have the added fun of greek yogurt and coconut. You can even win extra points by using their fave yogurt flavor. Read more here.
6. Mixed Berry Monkey Bread
Sometimes you just need a sweet indulgence, right? Cue this berry-fied monkeybread and its ooey-gooeyness. Thanks to Pillsbury biscuits, you can whip this up without too much fuss. Get the whole how-to here.
7. Crock Pot Applesauce
The tots will love using the apples they picked for this homemade applesauce. You’ll love that this recipe calls for your good friend, the crock pot. Bonus points: You can freeze this applesauce and then thaw overnight when you’re ready to eat. Click here for the instructions.
8. Homemade Strawberry Fruit Rollup
All-natural fruit rollups that are ultra-easy to make? We’re in. This recipe only calls for strawberries and a touch of sugar so it’s all about minimum work and maximum fruit leather enjoyment. Get the instructions here.
9. Mixed Berry Muffins
We’ve got your new favorite muffin recipe right here. In addition to greek yogurt, these muffins are rocking three types of berries–which makes them extra moist. Get the kids to help measure and stir and you’re halfway there! Head here for the recipe.
10. Raspberry and Cream Popsicles
Thanks to Dixie cup molds, these popsicles are cute and just the right size for the littles. There’s greek yogurt involved, plus maple syrup, coconut cream, and, of course, berries! Get the recipe here.
11. Homemade Apple Cider
If you’re ansty for autumn, we’ve got just the thing to warm you up and tide you over. This apple cider recipe has very little prep work and the aroma of simmering apples and spices will make your house more homey than ever. Get the instructions here.
Which recipe will you use for your u-pick haul? Share with us in the comment section below!
—Abigail Matsumoto
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