Mixed Berries Syrup for Waffles and Pancakes

This delicious and easy to make syrup is really versatile.  Besides being great for waffles and pancakes, you can use it to pour some over oatmeal, sweet biscuits, salads, ice cream, add to shakes and pour over muffins.  So on Saturday when I make it for our waffles/pancakes, I make enough to last me the whole week.  By the end of the week, you will notice that it has jelled.  So you can use it as a spread over toast with butter too.

You will need:

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup frozen raspberries

1 cup frozen strawberries

half a lemon juice

sweetener of choice (I have used, honey, stevia, sorghum and maple syrup before).

Instructions:

Put berries in a pot and simmer until enough juice is let out.  Do not cook them.  Put all ingredients in a blender.  I like my Vitamix because it will break down the raspberries and strawberries seeds very well.

Serve warm.  Put the rest in jar for use during the week.

 

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Herb Vinaigrette and Children-Friendly Salad Dressing

The real secret to appetizing salads is the dressing.  But, you probably know that store bought dressings are loaded with strange unwelcome ingredients.  To put a dressing together is really easy!  This one is my favorite because it is quick and, of course, easy.

You will need:

A 2 cup glass jar

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2-3 minced garlic cloves (I use the powder for a kid-friendly version)

1 tablespoon mustard

1 teaspoon dried herbs like thyme and basil

1 teaspoon unrefined sea salt

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in the jar.  Give it a vigorous shake.  Store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

I make this dressing on Monday and use it through out the week.

Children-Friendly Salad Dressing

For the Kid-friendly version, I combine this basic herb vinaigrette with my leftover berries syrup I used for our pancakes.  I make enough to have left over for salads during the week.

Combine half the vinaigrette with half the berries syrup.

Or, 1/2 cup of berries syrup with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt.

My kids like to eat the salad when I serve it with this berry dressing.

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