Blackberry Muffins

It is summer and that means blackberries are ready.  I have a few lots around my house that are wooded and full of these yummy treats.  We also have vines at work. 

This is what we see out the back window.

So - I went out during lunch and got a few.  :0

I had about 6 cups.  I must admit that I ate most of them "as is" but I made sure to leave enough to make a few muffins.  They were very yummy!

Blackberry Muffins from Taste of Home

1/2 cup butter, softened

1-1/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries

In a large bowl, cream butter and 1-1/4 cups sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually stir into creamed mixture alternately with milk. beating well after each addition. Fold in blackberries so you don't mash them all up. ;0

Fill greased or paper-lined muffins cups two-thirds full. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

Blackberries and Singing

My memory lane for blackberries.  I remember picking these as a child.  It was hot in Alabama when they were ripe and ready for picking.  We would wear jeans and long-sleeved flannel shirts and  head out for berries.  I liked to pick them but would not eat them for anything.  Mawmaw would "put some up" for the winter and make blackberries cobbler.

Lately - Taft and I have been walking in the evenings.  Well - I walk and Taft rides, and most nights we are joined by Jamie and the Meseke children.  Taft's BFF CJ's is a member of this family.  On a walk this week, we noticed that the empty, wooded lots in my neighborhood are covered with blackberry vines.  Lots are ready to pick.  We picked a few as we went and snacked.  CJ and Sami loved them, Taft not so much.  So last night, Taft and I went out for a walk, and he walked too, almost a mile in fact, around the neighborhood searching for berries.  I was not dressed for the occasion and did not wear gloves, my hands are pretty sad today. 

Taft learned to pick ones close to him and to stay away from the vines after one attacked him.  I told him that it just thought he was sweet and needed a taste.  He thought he was a big boy.  He continued to walk and to pick.  We talked to a few neighbors and he got to pet a few dogs.  He even got to pick some flowers.  A real favorite for him. 

On our walk home, he decided that he wanted to sing.  We sang "10 Little Monkeys" about ten times.  It is his favorite of the moment, and also got in a few ABC's.  He also wanted to count everything.  He is really learning a lot these days and I must say that I think he is very smart.  He notices things that I don't and points them out.  I love to see things through his eyes.

After we were home, we washed out berries.  We got about 6 cups without really trying and there are lots of them out there.  Taft even ate a few.  After his bath, he was out for the count.  Maybe walking is a great way to get him in bed on time.