Storing Berries

I think it's pretty safe to day that berries are best (and cheapest) in the summer. They are also great for you: they are a low glycemic index fruit, high in antioxidants, high in fiber and low in calories. Too bad you can't buy the same berries in winter, for the same price... however with a little forethought and preparation you can enjoy the same berries you bought (or picked!) in summer during the winter :).
But you probably already knew that: freeze them! However if you're like me, you probably just shoved all your berries in a bag an threw them in the freezer and wondered why they came out in one big chunk when you took them out again or tried to throw a few into a smoothie.
Through my seemingly endless monitoring of food network, I learned from Ina Garten to freeze them first in a cookie sheet, on one flat layer, before you put them in a bag.
So I tried it! And it works, really well! Even better than store bought. Each berry freezes individually and gets rock hard so it holds it's integrity when you bag 'em up! Awesome!






This way you can grab a few at a time, throw a handful in a smoothie, or take a bowlful an pour melted chocolate over them for a decadent treat. Or try this gluten free Berry Cookie Cobbler