The Budget Casa

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has named July National Blueberry Month. Blueberries are now at their peak of freshness – they’re in season through August – so they’re inexpensive at most grocery stores or farm stands. Now’s the perfect time to pick up a few pints or pick your own.

A tasty way to enjoy the bounty of berries available now is with a fresh fruit pie. Fruit pies are easy to make, require just a few ingredients and preserve the delicious freshness of raw berries.

You’ll need:
Pre-baked crust (or bake a refrigerated pie crust in a pie plate at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes)
1 quart berries (2 pints)
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons corn starch
1 teaspoon lemon juice

To make:
Simmer 1 cup berries and ¾ cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Add sugar and corn starch and stir. Continue simmering until the mixture thickens, then add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and remove from heat.

Spread blueberries in pie shell and pour cooked fruit mixture on top. Chill, and serve.