Chillin...

With the temperatures hovering around 100 degrees, I thought I would take you on a trip.  At place that is cold and dark, and keeps things from perishing.  You know, the freezer.  This time of year, our deep freezer is opened several time during the course of the day.  I am beginning to think the children are taking their time choosing which Popsicle color they want, simply to keep the door open longer and bask in the refreshing chill.  I know I did when I was a child, even though I had my mind made up which color I would choose long before I made my way to the freezer.

Tonight, as I was putting blackberries into the freezer, I must confess that I thought of standing there longer than necessary, but the timer on the dryer reminded me that I have other things I really need to take care of. 

Just in case you didn't know, berries are now in season. We ventured out to a berry farm, but fresh berries are available at farmers markets and road side stands as well.  This is the perfect time to load up your freezer so you can enjoy the delights of berries all year long!

I love to have all types of berries in the freezer, and then as I need them, I only use what I need.  I put the berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet with sides, lined with a sheet of waxed paper.  Place it in the freezer, and let the berries freeze solid.  Remove them from the pan, and place in a zip top freezer bag.  This way, the berries freeze individually and don't made a big lump-o-berries!  These have a shelf life of approximately one year, but I can promise you they don't last that long around here!

My beautiful pan of blackberries ready to chill out...

Just a little food for thought...did you know cattle really like wild blackberries?  My bushes at the farm have been eaten just as they ripen.  Good thing I decided to avoid the chigger and buy a gallon!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small things of life!

Sarah