Archaeologists have found that blackberries and
raspberries were part of the diet of Viking-era people.
Scientists discovered evidence at "digs" in
Denmark, England, and Ireland.

Blackberry jam is a favorite of Americans.
It's the only taste of these dark, delicious berries familiar
to most people.  Times have changed, though.
In recent years, blackberries have soared in popularity.
They are now grown commercially and are served
in many homes and fine restaurants.
Blackberries are tasty and nutritious--high in fiber and
vitamin C.  In the mountains, areas exist where wild
blackberries still grow in abundance.  Wild blackberries are
unsurpassed in flavor and beauty.  These are the kind of
berries the Smith sisters picked in the mountains of
Eastern Kentucky.

The easiest and most delicious way to serve fresh
blackberries is to scoop them gently into a small bowl
and pour cream over the top.  If you really must,
milk can be substituted for the cream.  Two other
favorite ways to serve blackberries are shown below.

BLACKBERRY COBBLER

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter          1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 cup all-purpose flour         1/2 cup half-and-half
2 cups granulated sugar         1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder     2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Melt the butter in a square 9-inch baking dish in the
preheating oven.  In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour,
one cup sugar, the baking powder, and nutmeg.
Combine the half-and-half and vanilla in a measuring cup,
then add to the flour mixture, blending until crumbly.
Press the dough into the baking dish on top of the butter.
(Some butter will spill over onto the dough.)
In a saucepan, stir together the blackberries with the
remaining one cup sugar over low heat
until just warmed through.
Pour over the dough and bake for 50 to 55 minutes,
or until the crust is golden brown.  The crust will
rise to the surface. Serve warm or cold
with cream or ice cream.

NEON FRESH FRUIT SMOOTHIE

Absolutely delicious--and high in vitamin C.
In a blender or food processor crush ice cubes or
cracked ice to make at least 1/2 cup crushed ice.
Add to the crushed ice and blend until smooth:
two bananas, two grapefruit, 1/2 pint blackberries,
1/2 pint strawberries.  (For a sweeter taste, add honey).

Check out Ronni Lundy's newest cookbook,  Butter Beans
to Blackberries:  Recipes from the Southern Garden.
Published by North Point Press, the hardcover version is 384
pages with a list price:  $30.00.  Ronni Lundy draws upon
her Kentucky mountain roots and on the recipes and food
passions of fellow Southerners to present bodacious
country recipes.  Of course, she includes the
perennial favorite, blackberries!

BLACKBERRIES MAY FIGHT ARTERIAL DISEASE

New York (Reuters) - Antioxidant compounds found in
blackberries, blueberries, sweet cherries, and strawberries
may fight arterial disease by preventing the oxidation of
LDL ("bad") cholesterol, according to a team of researchers
at theUniversity of California, Davis.  In a series of
experiments, scientists found that blackberries had the
most antioxidant activity, along with sweet cherries.
Source:  Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 1998.

For the best in Appalachian, Southern and Midwestern
black and white fine art photography, be sure to check out
Aspherical Dreams:
The Fine Art Photography of Robert Miller.
Robert Miller's award-winning photographs have been exhibited
throughout the United States and Europe.
Custom, hand-toned, museum quality prints are available
in limited editions - sure to be cherished heirlooms that
will be passed down from generation to generation.

- - -

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, patience, peace,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

- - -

*** To view Volume Two of ***
*** The Blackberry Review ***
CLICK HERE