Simple At Home

Blueberries are on sale and I am looking for ways to make use of them in our menu right now as using what is in season and on sale is one of the best ways to save money on whole foods. One way we use up blueberries besides snacking on them right out of the container is to make blueberry syrup. This blueberry syrup is great because we can use it to make blueberry cheesecake, top fluffy pancakes, or crispy waffles, and even mix it into homemade yogurt to add flavor. Try this on top of some no-churn ice cream for a frugal and fun summer treat. Why you should make blueberry syrup At one point we had some visitors for a couple of weeks bringing our household total for kids up to 9. Which is pretty intense when it comes to feeding everyone. This is when I taught her some of the tricks I use to save money on food. One is to make things like fruity syrups for dressing up everything from yogurt to cheap oatmeal to help make money go a bit further. Now that the economy is struggling those same tricks help to fight inflation at the grocery store just like they once helped us survive during job loss so many years ago. This is just one flavor of homemade syrups I make from time to time including mulberry syrup, cherry syrup, and even pumpkin spice syrup for the perfect pumpkin spice coffee. I have even made homemade strawberry syrup for my best friend to have strawberry milk one day when she was craving it. What you need to make blueberry syrup :: 2 cups fresh blueberries :: 1 cup granulated sugar :: 1/2 cup water :: 2 tablespoons lemon juice How to make your own blueberry syrup :: Rinse the blueberries and pick out any stems or leaves. :: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. :: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the blueberries have burst. :: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to the desired consistency. :: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before straining the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the blueberry seeds and any chunks. :: Allow the syrup to cool completely, then transfer it to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Tips and tricks You can mash the blueberries using a potato masher or immersion blender to get smoother syrup If you want clear syrup, you can strain it through cheesecloth. For a spiced syrup, you can add a cinnamon stick or a vanilla bean to the saucepan while cooking. How to can homemade blueberry syrup If you are growing blueberries or find an amazing sale odds are you want a way to preserve them when you have more than you can eat while keeping your berries fresh. :: Rinse the blueberries and pick out any stems or leaves. :: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice (and any optional ingredients like cinnamon or vanilla extract). :: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the blueberries have burst. :: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to the desired consistency. :: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the blueberry seeds and any chunks. :: While the syrup is still hot, ladle it into the prepared canning jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace at the top. :: Wipe the rim of the jars clean with a damp cloth, then place the lids and rings on the jars. :: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. :: Remove the jars from the boiling water bath, let them cool and check the seals. :: Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Making blueberry syrup is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the taste of fresh blueberries all year round. It's also a great way to use up extra blueberries when they're in season. This homemade blueberry syrup is free from preservatives and artificial flavors found in store-bought varieties, so you can enjoy a healthier, more natural version of this tasty condiment.