Blackberries aren’t just for dessert! Try this tangy, flavorful sauce with chicken, pork, duck…even venison.

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I’ve been talking about blackberries so much on the blog lately because I’ve been enjoying picking them along the trail behind our office. There’s one drawback to picking blackberries, though: THORNS. The vines are covered with nasty, vicious, hooked thorns that seem intent on drawing blood in their zeal to guard the precious fruit. It’s virtually impossible to pick a fair amount of berries without getting “picked,” yourself (wear gloves and you usually wind up squashing the fruit).

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This easy cobbler is sure to impress your guests. To make it even tastier, top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream while it’s still warm.
Picking time: 30-40 minutes

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Instead of sending them off to a landfill, use kitchen scraps to enrich your garden! Whether your goal is to live “greener,” save money, grow gorgeous blooms and healthy fruits and veggies, or all of the above, composting is a great way to go. Best of all, it’s easy to get started!
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Print this handy cheat sheet to easily remember what you can (and can’t) compost at home.

Backyard Compost Cheat Sheet

In celebration of the blackberries that are now in season on the nature trail behind our office, the Solutions staff is going to share some of our favorite blackberry recipes! To start things off: a quick and simple blackberry fool. With just half twenty minutes of leisurely picking, you’ll have enough to serve 4 to 6 people this luscious, creamy dessert!

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The freshest foods, locally grown – what’s not to love about the Farmers Market? Try these tips to get the most out of shopping locally:

1. Shop early for the best selections before they’re gone. If you’re looking for great deals, shop late – vendors would rather get rid of it then haul it back home, so discounts abound!
2. Spare some change. Cash purchases are easiest at the Farmers Market, and your purchases will go faster if you have exact change (or close to it).
3. Bring along a cooler. Keep a cooler stocked with ice in the car so your purchases stay fresh on the way home.
4. Plan meals ahead of time so you won’t waste anything – but do leave room for experimenting. It can be fun to try a new fruit or vegetable!
5. Ask questions. If you don’t know what it is, approach the vendor about it. They love to share their knowledge!

Here are 3 of our top harvest helpers, perfect for bringing home your Farmers’ Market purchases:

	82744 Envirosax: Takes up the same space as a cell phone—just tuck it into your purse! But don’t hesitate to load up this tote. It’s more comfortable to carry than plastic, and the bottom won’t get soggy or tear out like paper. Made of lightweight but durable polyester, this tote has double seams so it’s strong enough to carry up to 45 pounds—great for trips to the farmers’ market.
	86419 Folding Wagon: Wheel everything along in this big, sturdy wagon—no lugging bags or boxes. Potted plants, flats of berries or bags of soil all fit inside the roomy, 10” deep bed. The durable canvas fabric and patented steel frame make this heavy duty wagon a breeze to fold so you can easily fit it in the car or store it in a corner of the garage. Holds 150 pounds!
	87040 Mesh Bags: Fill these bags at the farmers’ market or store, then leave your produce inside while you wash it…even store it in the fridge. Because air circulates, produce even lasts longer. Ideal for garlic, potatoes, onions, lettuce, grapes and more!

Did your new fridge come with an icemaker? Don’t throw those old ice cube trays away yet – they’ll come in very handy for preserving unused foods, storing ingredients or making special treats! It’s a great way to control portions when preparing dishes, too (the average ice cube yields about 2 tablespoons).

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