We are always thrilled to join our friends on Coast Live, which airs weekdays at 9 a.m. on WTKR News 3 in Coastal Virginia, with segments available at WTKR.com/CoastLive
In our latest segment, we explore blueberries; July is National Blueberry Month, and we find out more about a regional blueberry farm, and enjoy a Wild Blue Highball made with the seasonal fruit.
And in honor or Bastille Day – and Eat Something French Day, we make a yum-mazing Ham + Brie Baguette with Spicy Apricot Sauce.
For more food news you can use, sign up for our free newsletter at VirginiaEatsAndDrinks.com
CHEERS TO BLUEBERRIES !
WITH OUR BERRY DELICIOUS WILD BLUE HIGHBALL
July is National Blueberry Month. At farmers markets, at farm stands, and at u-pick farms across Coastal Virginia, this delicious berry is available and sweet. Blueberries are just around 80 calories for a one cup serving, and high in Vitamin C and other good things.
Celebrate with our Wild Blue Martini, which pairs freshly macerated berries with local vodka from our friend Karl Dornemann at Reverend Spirits.
We start with macerating fresh blueberries – we love to get them from Wild Blue Acres – in a slurry of Grand Marnier, sugar, and lemon zest. Grand Mariner is an orange-flavored liqueur made from a blend of Cognac brandy. July 14 is National Grand Mariner Day.
Here’s how to prepare the blueberries:
In a medium bowl, add 1-1/2 pints fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur, and stir gently but thoroughly to combine. Let stand 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and flavors have mingled. Refrigerate until ready to serve. May be made up to 1 hour in advance.
We add the prepared blueberries to a highball glass, then pour in vodka and stir. Add whole blueberries. Ice is thrown in and the drink is topped off with seltzer. Garnish the cocktail with a lemon or orange wedge, fresh blueberries on a skewer, or a fresh mint sprig.
Blueberries come from Wild Blue Acres, www.facebook.com/WildBlueAcresNC
Vodka comes from Reverend Spirits, www.DrinkReverend.com
Virginia Eats + Drinks Official Blog 