I am a fierce and unapologetic defender of beige food—always have been, always will be—but even I will admit that a pop of cheery colour can make a meal, snack, or beverage more enjoyable. If that pop of colour happens comes in the form of a tart and sweet berry-infused honey, well that’s even better.
Picking fresh produce and eating fresh produce are two of my favourite activities. I make “salads” that are really just piles of raw corn, eat juicy peaches over the sink and down bowls of berries swimming in heavy cream. I never had much reason to get anything cooked involved, until the geniuses at Food 52 suggested drizzling brown butter over my fresh produce haul.
If you’ve ever gone berry picking in summer, you know how it easy it is to pick an insane amount of berries. Each plump piece of fruit begs to be pulled from the vine, and before you know it you have flats full of fruit and big plans. But then you get home, and you realise you may have been a tad overzealous.
Berry recipes tend to veer towards the dessert end of things, but their juicy, sweet-and-tart nature can brighten up a whole world of savoury. If you find your CSA basket runneth over with one particular type of berry - and just don't feel like turning on the oven for a pie or cobbler - consider making a fresh and fruity berry salsa.
A handful of berries is a great snack, but one dropped berry or thoughtless wipe of your juice-covered hands can leave your clothing stained. If you act quickly, a little bowling water can keep the red stain from setting in your favourite garments, even whites.
