A marvelous post on every level, Amie! I’d really like to try my hand at raking blueberries in Maine one day. I can see why you’re such a fan of this fruit. I’m off to Trader Joe’s today to buy a packet and try making “the Downeast Blueberry Cake That Can’t Be Beat”! 🫐🫐🫐
I bet those blueberries would be awesome in my favorite scone recipe...going to have to make a Trader Joe's run! Spent much of my childhood at the cottage my family used to own in Kennebunk.
I love this post Amie. Thank you so much. I appreciate you sharing the brand for blueberries as well. Luckily, I've found a frozen option in Wegmans grocery store— Maine wild blueberries grown by Merrill Blueberry Farms in Ellsworth, ME. I will look for the brand you suggest as well. :) Happy picking.
Bernadette! It’s been quite fun (and funny) reliving her wit as I go through all her writing. I’m glad her old stories are bringing joy to a new audience.
I'm a proud Oregonian when it comes to berries of all kinds, but each week you make a compelling case for me to spend some weeks in Maine. I really enjoyed this issue. You and your mom have beautiful writing styles that I cannot get enough of.
This put a smile on my face as we encounter the same happy dilemma each year with raspberries in our freezer. I've never heard the term "taking blueberries".
Every summer during blueberry season I think of your mom's recipe for blueberry sauce. It's my go-to, never fail, always a hit choice coupled with a lemon cake or vanilla ice cream for whenever I need to provide dessert.
Your saucy comment had me ransacking the vast C&T archives for that recipe...until I realized it’s in the Cook & Tell cookbook, along with a century-old lemon sherbet recipe. I foresee a very blue and tasty month ahead!
Aug 1, 2023·edited Aug 1, 2023Liked by Amie McGraham
For a year or so in the mid 90s, I lived on a 10 acre blueberry u-pick farm on the Olympic Peninsula in WA State. There were many varieties of blueberries--my favorites were a small late-season high-bush but I don’t recall the variety. They packed a punch of flavor and were the best I had ever tasted. Last fall I travelled to Maine and made pie with local blueberries. Wow! Maine blueberries are fabulous!!
I love this entire post, from your mom’s original essay to your head & end notes and the item from the mailbag. It’s likely our son will be moving to Maine next year (from VT) and we are excited to get to know the state and its food better. I see blueberry raking and cake making in my future.💙
A marvelous post on every level, Amie! I’d really like to try my hand at raking blueberries in Maine one day. I can see why you’re such a fan of this fruit. I’m off to Trader Joe’s today to buy a packet and try making “the Downeast Blueberry Cake That Can’t Be Beat”! 🫐🫐🫐
Such a beautiful post, Amie. I wish I had a piece of that blueberry cake right now , so I’ll just have to make it!
Yum!!
I bet those blueberries would be awesome in my favorite scone recipe...going to have to make a Trader Joe's run! Spent much of my childhood at the cottage my family used to own in Kennebunk.
I found my mum’s recipe for blueberry scones last week and now they’re on my “to make” list, Ellen! Let me know how yours come out.
I will!!
I love this post Amie. Thank you so much. I appreciate you sharing the brand for blueberries as well. Luckily, I've found a frozen option in Wegmans grocery store— Maine wild blueberries grown by Merrill Blueberry Farms in Ellsworth, ME. I will look for the brand you suggest as well. :) Happy picking.
Ellsworth is the downeast gateway...you may be onto something here!
Oh cool! I was wondering your thoughts. I think they are delicious and those are the frozen berries I use for the berry crumble recipe.
Your mother had a fabulous and humorus way of writing. I enjoy reading both of your posts.
Bernadette! It’s been quite fun (and funny) reliving her wit as I go through all her writing. I’m glad her old stories are bringing joy to a new audience.
My summer travels did not include Maine and I am almost regretting that. But at least I can be there virtually!!
There’s always next year!
I'm a proud Oregonian when it comes to berries of all kinds, but each week you make a compelling case for me to spend some weeks in Maine. I really enjoyed this issue. You and your mom have beautiful writing styles that I cannot get enough of.
I figured my Oregon comment might strike a nerve or two with you (and Sue C). Your words are as sweet as Maine blueberries!
This is how I hoard Thin Mints from the Girl Scouts. Nothing like pulling a frozen sleeve of them out in sweltering August. 😄
If only I could make those cookies last that long...
The trick is to hide them so deep in the freezer that you forget they are there!
This put a smile on my face as we encounter the same happy dilemma each year with raspberries in our freezer. I've never heard the term "taking blueberries".
To have fresh Maine blueberries! What a gift. I, sadly, don't, I always buy Wymans.
Your secret’s safe, Jillian. Sort of.
Every summer during blueberry season I think of your mom's recipe for blueberry sauce. It's my go-to, never fail, always a hit choice coupled with a lemon cake or vanilla ice cream for whenever I need to provide dessert.
Your saucy comment had me ransacking the vast C&T archives for that recipe...until I realized it’s in the Cook & Tell cookbook, along with a century-old lemon sherbet recipe. I foresee a very blue and tasty month ahead!
For a year or so in the mid 90s, I lived on a 10 acre blueberry u-pick farm on the Olympic Peninsula in WA State. There were many varieties of blueberries--my favorites were a small late-season high-bush but I don’t recall the variety. They packed a punch of flavor and were the best I had ever tasted. Last fall I travelled to Maine and made pie with local blueberries. Wow! Maine blueberries are fabulous!!
Wow! Your pie skills + Maine berries! I can only imagine how delicious your pie must have been.
I love this entire post, from your mom’s original essay to your head & end notes and the item from the mailbag. It’s likely our son will be moving to Maine next year (from VT) and we are excited to get to know the state and its food better. I see blueberry raking and cake making in my future.💙
Other options include clam digging and lobstering: hard work but the rewards are many!