..Lese Dunton..
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The Blueberry Blog #3
Blueberry Fields Forever

"Nothing is real," I thought the other day, slumping into my chair in despair. Oh yeah, sounds like John Lennon from the song Strawberry Fields Forever. He also says it is "nothing to get hung about." Okay good, that's helpful. And, "Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstandings all you see..."

Hey, why not Blueberry Fields Forever? The idea made me smile for a moment. I realized maybe I should write about blueberries again. Make another blog out of it somehow.

I searched the web for "blueberry fields" and came across photos of blueberry pancakes. There's nothing like staring at mouth-watering food as a way to forget the frustrating mysteries of life. Actually eating it is even better, of course. Imagining all the calories and sugar were of no concern, I savored every moment of God's delicious creation.

If nothing is real, I would not gain weight or give my dear body too much of the dreaded sugar. All would be right with the world. In the movie Defending Your Life, people love remembering the scene in heaven where Meryl Streep can eat as much as she wants of her favorite foods, without consequence. I'm prepared to meet the maker of these blueberry pancakes.

Perhaps I should write a song, inspired by John Lennon.

It's getting hard to be someone, but it all works out. It's just the pancakes that you see...it's all that matters much to me.

            
            
            
The Blueberry Blog #2
The blues in my life

Ever since I went to that luncheon promoting blueberries (see blog #1), I realize the influence of the blues in my life. The berries I mean. I see them everywhere now - and of course I keep eating 'em.

Right outside my post office, the famous Ansonia on 68th and Columbus, NYC, there is a busy fruit and vegetable stand. It's considered by most upper west siders to be the absolute best. Why? Incredible produce at the lowest prices around. Everyone knows you can get blueberries for $1 a box here, and good ones. Yummy ones, so you better get two boxes.

The ever-smiling Azad (pictured left) handles his eager customers gracefully and fast. He twirls around to take care of everybody at once: money, change, plastic bag, a smile of course, a word or two, next. He can somehow take the time to pick out the best pineapple and tell you how many days to wait before slicing. If you only want one banana, just leave your 25 cents on the cardboard and go, that's fine.

Once when a torrential downpour came out of nowhere, I saw him put up big umbrellas so fast, he didn't lose one customer. In fact, he attracted more. Need I say his blueberries sell quickly?

        
        
An Enthusiastic Reader (E.R.) made the blueberry-wheatberry recipe mentioned in blog #1. Her creation was exquisite. I know this because she gave me some.

It was a vibrant contrast in tastes: scallions, walnuts, fresh b-berries and more, coexisting a base of wheatberry. It felt hearty and substantial and was packed with flavor. I couldn't put it down.

E.R. mentioned that she forgot one ingredient, the dried blueberries, but I'm here to tell you, it still came out great. With or without it, her berry talented hands made magic in the kitchen.

            
            
            
        
Then I go to a friend's anniversary party. They give me a piece of cake and do you believe it had a blueberry-shaped design on the icing? What's going on?

They're everywhere now.

I realize that when blessed by blueberries, it's hard to have the blues. Sadness I mean.

            
            
            
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Blog #1: For the Love of Blueberries
Blueberry Council Presents "Little Blue Dynamos"

I was grateful to attend an elegant luncheon promoting the health benefits of blueberries. I've loved blueberries ever since reading the classic children's book, Blueberries for Sal.

As a child I also noticed that my mother requested blueberry pie every year for her birthday rather than a typical cake. Good choice. Do you know anyone who doesn't like blueberries? Me neither.

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council recently showcased the joy and power of the "little blue dynamos" at David Bouley's Test Kitchen in New York.

The first speaker, Rebecca Scritchfield, founder of Capitol Nutrition Group, understands the time management and stress factors of her busy clients. Many are women with hectic schedules who enjoy helping others but need to remember their own self-nurturing and nutritional needs too.

Ms. Scritchfield demonstrated an easy recipe for Blueberry-Wheatberry salad. Out of all the blueberry-oriented foods served that day, this was definitely my favorite. I felt better immediately.

Eric Rimm, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, shared his impressive scientific studies. Our tasty blue friends can help with anti-aging and fighting disease big time. His evidence showed fruit-eating health results, and blueberries were clearly the winners. (See MedicalDaily.com.)

Chef David Bouley appeared on the scene, much to everyone's delight. He arrived to work his magic in the kitchen, and then made an impromptu speech, which was so inspiring that I went up to him afterwards to talk.

His calm and gentle manner blended nicely with his excellent information; a great recipe for helpfulness. He spoke of "connecting the dots" (nutritionists know things that scientists don't know and scientists know things that nutritionists don't know), helping people have a "living pantry," how to extract health benefits from plants in cooked foods, and the importance of bacteria (like from mushrooms).

Can't wait to see what he does next. A television show perhaps? I hope.

I was so busy talking with David that when I returned to the table, a well-meaning waiter had taken away the dessert, Blueberry Sorbet.

At first it seemed tragic, but then I realized it's a blessing in disguise: now I can try to make it myself.

Here's how.