July is a strange month, as it’s not only National Blueberry Month, but yesterday was National Blueberry Day. So, in Kathey Jo’s Kitchen today, we’re planning on celebrating them all at once. Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. You can snack on them without a care in the world. Blueberries are loaded with fiber, and rich in antioxidants. They help lower cholesterol which promotes heart health, can help reduce the risk of cancer, and may help to slow the aging process. How do you like to enjoy your blueberries? Let your friends at Kathey Jo’s Kitchen know.
Best Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients
- Nonstick vegetable oil spray
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 cups fresh blueberries, divided
- 2 large eggs with yolks, beaten to blend
- 1½ cups plain whole-milk yogurt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°. Lightly coat cups of a standard 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray. Whisk all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl to combine. Add 1½ cups blueberries and gently stir until evenly distributed.
- Whisk eggs, yogurt, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium bowl until combined and creamy, about 30 seconds. Gently fold egg mixture into dry ingredients to combine. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Top with remaining ½ cup blueberries, gently pressing to adhere. There should be 4–5 berries per muffin. Sprinkle with raw sugar.
- Bake muffins, rotating pan halfway through, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25–30 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let muffins cool in pan 5 minutes. Turn out onto rack and let cool completely.
Blueberry Smash
Ingredients
- 2 lemons, sliced into rounds
- 2 limes, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish
- 1 ½ cups vodka
- ¾ cup St-Germain
Directions
- Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, coarsely mash lemon and lime slices, blueberries, and mint leaves in a large pitcher.
- Stir in vodka, St-Germain, and 2 cups of ice cubes.
- Divide drink among coupe or highball glasses; top with more ice cubes. Garnish each drink with a mint sprig.
