National Blueberry Pancake Day

You've heard the phrase, "Good things come in small packages." In this case, it would be right. This tiny fruit called the blueberry has made an impact in the health industry and on our palate, becoming one of the best superfoods on the market.

Combine this super berry with an outstanding pancake batter and you have one of the most celebrated breakfasts around the world.

It's National Blueberry Pancake Day, and there is so much to see and do. Spend a bit of time and stop at each post to enjoy all the best these little power fruits have to offer. Enjoy a two day pass if you need to so you don't miss anything.

Visit some pancake houses, take a stroll in a blueberry field, do a little shopping, test your knowledge about blueberries in the polls and quizzes, or play a video pancake game. There's lots to do on National Blueberry Pancake Day, so let's get started.

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Before you make your pancakes you need the best blueberries.

I grew up in the Garden State, in the southern part of New Jersey where blueberries were abundant.  Something I learned was although blueberry picking can be fun, it can also be hard work that goes unrewarded if the berries don't make the trip home. 

If you are in the mood for berry picking, there are a few things you should know befor trekking off to the berry patch.  Watch this video for some great pointers on blueberries.  Photo credit WikiHow

Have you ever wondered how to pick the best and freshest blueberries from the market or field?  Here are a few things you should look for: 

Look for blueberries that have an even color with white blooms (if in the field). 

Choose blueberries that are purple-ish blue in color and not light blue.

Make sure blueberries are not pink or very small in size.
  
In the grocery store make sure the blueberries can move loosely in the package.  If they don't freely move in the container it could be that they are over-ripe and mushy or moldy.

Avoid buying frozen blueberries that seem to have large clumps in them.  This suggests that they have thawed out, refrozen or weren't frozen properly.
 
   Photo credit google images

It's amazing how many blueberries are picked from Cain's Orchard each year.  Starting at 7am during picking season, the owner rings a bell to let people begin picking.  Literally hundreds of cars line up with families ready to enjoy the day on this beautiful blueberry farm.  It is estimated that 10 tons, that's right,10 tons (20,000 pounds) of blueberries are picked each day on this farm.  Take a look and see.

For over 100 years the Driscoll family has been selling berries that bring pleasure into our homes. It wasn't until the 1990's however that they introduced blueberries as part of their production.

You can learn more about this fruit giant, Driscoll's, and see this recipe for these great Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes on their website.

Cooking editor Susan McMahon of Woman's Weekly (GoodtoKnow.co.UK) demonstrates her method of making blueberry pancakes.  She makes a smaller pancake than I like normally, but I like the brown sugar and sunflower oil idea. 

#1 All-Clad 12" Stainless Professional Grade Fry Pan

When I was researching this article I wasn't sure what frying pan would be the best for my readers, so I asked around. I mean, after all...we're talking fantastic blueberry pancakes were at risk here.

Chef George was kind enough to share what he actually uses and feels is worth promoting. His first choice was this All-Clad 12" Fry Pan. However, even though it is a good Professional grade frying pan he, also stated that it isn't a non-stick pan. You would need to oil, spray or butter this pan before you use it (which most of us do already).

It is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended. (Lifetime warranty against defects.)

Although there are many good fruit companies, I've chosen Driscoll's for this event's festivities.

Driscoll's Blueberry Whole Wheat Pancakes make it a whole lot easier to eat healthier.  What better way to have fresh pancakes than to combine two healthy choices makng a great tasting pancake.  It's sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Good eating really stacks up with this recipe.  Check it out.
                                                                                              Click on the photo for details.                        

Allergies? No worries with Driscoll's gluten-free blueberry pancake recipe. This recipe could prove to be a favorite with flaxseeds added into the gluten-free flour. It's definitely worth trying.

Top them with warm maple syrup and butter, and you've got it made.

For me, extra vanilla and a touch of nutmeg makes the pancakes burst with flavor. Tristan uses buttermilk, baking soda and baking powder in this blueberry pancake recipe.

She flipped over the opportunity.

January is National Pancake Month, and major restaurants are on board making it memorable. One such company is IHOP. For several years now IHOP has asked the Crowned Miss America to exchange her golden jewels and gown for a spatula and apron. Laura Kaeppeler, Miss America 2012 agreed to serve as spokesperson for IHOP's National Pancake Day last year in order to help raise money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Each year IHOP restaurants give millions of fluffy buttermilk pancakes away hoping their customers will make a donation to the hospitals. For more information about IHOP and National Pancake Day visit their website.

This is Idaho's Original Pancake and Christmas House!

It took George and Bonnie Bertram years to plan out this giant of a restaurant stretching 11,000 square feet. Their dreams came true after 8 months from the ground breaking for this new building. The former restaurant could fit entirely in the new restaurant's kitchen!

I love this potted fruit delight. The blueberry plant known as "Misty" is one of the most beautiful, hearty and vigorous Southern Highbush varieties on the market.

It's perfect for growing zones 5-7 yieldng abundant fruit in the summer. A blueberry lovers favorite. It's available on Amazon.

Bonsai/Patio/Outdoors

People who grow blueberries know that these plants are more than just a mere fruit bush.  Growers have long used blueberry plants as decorative plants in their bonsai gardens, because of their beautiful leaves and spring flowers.

Another attraction of this particular blueberry plant is that is doesn't get very big; only about 2 feet at maturity, and it is self-pollinating.  No need to have loads of extra plants for fruit to be pollinated.  It's perfect when space is a problem, and can be used indoors as well as outdoors in the summer. Click on photo for details.

Just a few facts about a tasty snack.

Blueberries are fat free and only 80 calories per cup.

Blueberries are loaded with vitamin C, which has a variety of health benefits including maintaining healthy gums and immune systems.

Blueberries have fiber. A handful of blueberries a day gives you the fiber you need, helps your heart and lowers cholesterol.

Blueberries are good producers of manganese, which is needed to help give energy.

Blueberries are a superfood when it comes to antioxidants, which helps to stabilize free radicals that cause cancer, diseases and heart problems.

Visit the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council website for more information about the benefits of blueberries. http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/health-benefits-of-blueberries/blueberry-nutrition/

Photo credit google images

Try your skill at flipping pancakes.

There are hundreds of games to play, but why not start with the National Day of Pancakes game. That's right!

See just how fast you can make pancakes without burning them. You'll be "berry" glad you did. (Game available from Games2Girls).

Fresh or frozen, blueberries have been proven to keep your heart, brain, and body healthy. See how much a cup of berries a day can do for your health by looking at what the experts at these websites have to say about our beloved blueberries.

Photo credit google images

Read more at Suite101: Top Five Health Benefits of Blueberries: Good Things Come In Small Packages | Suite101.com http://heather-loney.suite101.com/top-5-health-benefits-of-blueberries-a184459#ixzz1jwgeu7yE

http://www.bewellbuzz.com/superfoods/the-benefits-of-blueberries-are-more-than-just-antioxidants/

http://www.blueberryextract.com/herbal-remedies/blueberryextract/blueberry-benefits
http://www.livestrong.com/article/398835-the-benefits-for-eating-blueberries/
http://www.womenfitness.net/blueberries.htm
http://www.rodale.com/how-maximize-health-benefits-blueberries
http://www.blueberry.org/faq.htm

Have some fun and be creative with these ideas:

Why not serve blueberry pancakes to the entire office or your place of work.

Have a blueberry pancake skillet flipping contest. (Don't waste the food.)

Make blueberry pancake grilled cheese sandwiches. (I haven't tried this yet.)

Make blueberry pancake kabobs.

Try making pancake crepes with blueberries and your favorite toppings.  

Have a blueberry pancake church breakfast.

Make it an entire blue day with all blue foods.    

Why not dress in all blue.

Have a contest for who can eat the most blueberry pancakes in one minute.   

Have a grill off to see who can make the best tasting blueberry pancakes.
   
Prizes could be blueberry beverages, the Ty Blueberry Bear or other gifts I've suggested.      
 

Information on production and health benefits of blueberries. A video well worth viewing.

Benefits of eating blueberries

Blueberries can help lower cholesterol.
Blueberries improve motor skills.
Blueberries help promote urinary tract health.
Blueberries are natural anti-depressants.
Blueberries can help you lose weight and reduce body fat.
Blueberries increase brain function to reduce memory loss.
Blueberries contain lutein for eye sight and night time vision.
Blueberries for the heart to help reduce arterial plaque.
Blueberries helps constipation & promotes good digestion.
Blueberries antioxidants help reduce the aging process, improve hair, nails and skin.

The superfood known as the blueberry is such a versatile fruit that it takes very little preparation and can be used in so many recipes.  On this video clip the Produce Lady gives tips on using blueberries all year long.  She offers more advice on her website.
at http://www.theproducelady.org

Not convinced about blueberry pancakes?  Why not make them for dessert?

Tip for better smoothies.

To take the bitterness out of a smoothie
try adding these ingredients:

blueberries
almond butter
apricot nectar

Sung by Fats Domino, Blueberry Hill is a popular song published in 1940.