U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Retail Dietitian Toolkit

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So Easy to Enjoy: Why People Choose Blueberries In a complicated world, your customers are looking for simple solutions to life’s daily challenges. Blueberries are small but mighty – one little change a family can make in their diet that offers a number of big rewards.

Health & Nutrition

Convenience

Just one cup of blueberries helps meet the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, dietary fiber and manganese – and that comes with only 80 calories and virtually no fat.

Blueberries require no slicing, pitting or peeling. It goes like this: buy, rinse, eat, smile. (Or – and this takes willpower – buy, rinse, use in a delicious dish.)

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Versatility

Availability

Whatever the craving, blueberries fit right in. As a snack or in a favorite recipe.

For a sweet tooth or savory flavor.

It’s simple: plump, juicy, fresh and frozen blueberries are available year-round thanks to farmers in North and South America. Blueberries frozen at the peak of freshness retain their nutrition, too!

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So Easy to Use: Your Blueberry Toolkit This toolkit was designed to inspire you and help provide you with the tools you need to encourage customers to make meal and snack times delicious, easy and fun with blueberries. After all, blueberries are nature’s little blue dynamos®!

The following resources from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council include suggested recipes, talking points, social media posts and in-store activities tailored to each season of the year. At the end, you’ll also find downloadable handouts and materials that can be used year-round.

Please feel free to print, share and customize any of the following materials for use in store or online.

For more information, please contact Joanne Tehrani, MPH, RD, at: Joanne.Tehrani@padillacrt.com.

Recipes (hover & click to share)

Year-Round Resources

Blueberries are so versatile – in this kit, you will find a wide variety of sweet and savory recipes for your customers to enjoy. From salads to snacks and main dishes – we’ve got you covered.

Feel free to browse even more delicious options on our website, LittleBlueDynamos.com.

We’ve got you covered – from downloadable kids’ activity sheets and recipe “how-to” videos to fun memes that inform and entertain customers, in and out of the store.

Twitter Posts Social media keeps you connected with customers 365 days/year, and this toolkit has the content to help you actively engage with them. Sample tweets with links to recipes and educational content can be found at the end of every seasonal recipe section. To copy/paste the posts directly to your Twitter page, click here.

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Talking Points/Intercom Announcements Whether you’re chatting with shoppers or conducting an interview with a local media outlet, these topics will keep your audience interested.

In -Store Activities Fun and simple activities featuring blueberries that you can create in store to help engage customers.

So Easy to Find: Table of Contents This toolkit is divided into sections based on the four seasons to help you keep blueberries top of mind with your customers. Blueberries are in season all year!

Summer................................................................... 6 Fall. ............................................................................. 24 Winter. ................................................................... 42 Spring. .................................................................... 60 Year-Round Resources........................ 75 Talking Points/Intercom Announcements........................................... 88 In-Store Activities.. ................................... 89

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Blueberry, Peach & Celery Salad Wave The Flag Cupcakes Blueberry & Sweet Potato Slaw Blueberry Pie Red, White & Blueberry Popsicles Blueberry Mango Nachos Blueberry Fruit “Sushi”

As the sun shines down and temperatures rise, blueberries inspire cool, bite-sized moments to fill the longer days. It’s the perfect time for adventure: new experiences, new tastes and new memories to last a lifetime. But, that doesn’t mean life has to get complicated. Blueberries help keep summer simple, fun and delicious for adults and children of all ages.

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Blueberry, Peach & Celery Salad Ingredients • 2 cups fresh blueberries • 1 large peach, peeled, pitted and thinly sliced • 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced on the diagonal • 2 tablespoons roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 tablespoon olive oil • ¹⁄₈ teaspoon salt • ¹⁄₈ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Instructions

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1. In a large salad bowl, combine blueberries, peach slices, celery slices, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

2. Toss gently.

3. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours.

Number of servings (yield): 4

Summer

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Wave The Flag Cupcakes Ingredients • • • • • • • •

1 package (18 or 19 ounces) yellow cake mix ¹�₃ cup applesauce 3 egg whites 3 cups fresh blueberries, divided 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened ¹�₂ cup confectioners sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 roll red-colored rolled fruit snack (from a 4.5-ounce box)

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Print/Share Recipe 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat cake mix with applesauce, egg whites and 1 ¹ �₄ cups water for 30 seconds on low speed, then 2 minutes on medium speed.

3. .Spoon batter into 24 (2 ¹ �₂ -inch) aluminum or paper lined muffin cups.

4. Evenly divide 1 cup blueberries onto tops of batter.

5. Do not stir.

6. Bake cupcakes following package directions.

7. Remove to a wire rack and cool completely.

8. .In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners sugar and vanilla until smooth.

9. Spoon onto cooled cupcakes.

10. Spread to the edges.

11. Unroll fruit snack and, with a sharp knife, cut into strips ¹�₈ -inch wide by 2-inch long.

12. On half of each cupcake, arrange strips, trimming each to fit.

13. Arrange remaining 2 cups blueberries on the frosting on other halves. of the cupcakes, about 10 blueberries per cupcake.

Summer

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Blueberry & Sweet Potato Slaw Ingredients • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon pepper • ½ pound sweet potato, peeled and finely julienned • 2 cups fresh blueberries • 1 cup thinly shredded Napa or Savoy cabbage • 2 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal • 1 celery rib, thinly sliced

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• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions 1. In a large bowl combine oil, lemon juice, ginger, salt and pepper.

2. Add sweet potato, blueberries, cabbage, scallions, celery and sesame seeds to dressing mixture; toss. Let stand at least one.hour before serving.

Number of servings (yield): 4

Summer

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Blueberry Pie Ingredients • • • • • •

1 refrigerated pie crust 4 cups blueberries ½ cup sugar 2 ½ tablespoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon butter ½ teaspoon grated lemon peel

Instructions 1.

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Roll out one sheet pie crust to flatten.

Fit into a 9-inch pie dish.

In a medium saucepan combine 1 cup blueberries, sugar, cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to Print/Share Recipe a boil; cook and stir until mixture is thickened and clear.

Stir in butter; cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining Watch How-To Video 3 cups blueberries and lemon peel.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Turn cooled filling into pie shell.

Lay the remaining pie crust on a sheet of wax paper. Roll out to flatten. With a knife or pastry wheel cut pastry into ³�₈ -.inch wide strips. Arrange in a criss-cross pattern on top of blueberries, pressing ends .into the edges of the bottom crust and crimping to seal.

Place pie on a baking sheet. Bake in the bottom third of oven until crust is golden and filling bubbles gently, about 30 minutes. Cool on rack.

Variations Cornmeal Crumb Top Variation: Do not use top crust. In a medium bowl combine ½ cup sugar, ¹∕₃ cup flour, ¼ cup cornmeal, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon and 3 tablespoons softened butter until blended. Crumble over filling.

Bake as above.

Decorated Lattice Variation: Cut top crust into ¾-inch wide strips. Set the two end strips and two short strips aside. Arrange remaining strips in a criss -cross pattern on top of blueberries. With the large end of a piping tip or a small knife cut out 15 small circles and 12 small leaves . Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Place in clusters decoratively on the pastry lattice, securing with a little milk. Bake as above.

Summer

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Red, White & Blueberry Popsicles Ingredients • 1 cup diced watermelon • 1 scant cup vanilla yogurt • 1 cup frozen blueberries, thawed

Instructions 1. In a blender add blueberries and 5 tablespoons yogurt; puree until smooth.

2. Divide blueberry mixture among the ice pop molds, filling them about a third of the way.

3. Freeze 1 to 2 hours. Add a layer of 2 tablespoons yogurt on top of frozen blueberry layer to each ice pop mold.

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4. Freeze 1 hour until almost completely frozen. In the meantime, in a blender, puree watermelon and 1 tablespoon yogurt.

5. When the yogurt layer is almost completely frozen, add watermelon mixture to form top layer of the ice pops.

6. Push in the pop handles. Freeze another 1 to 2 hours.

Number of servings (yield): 4 Ice Pops

Summer

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Blueberry Mango Nachos Ingredients • 4 10-inch flour tortillas • 1 tablespoon butter, melted • 4 teaspoons sugar • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • ¾ cup vanilla yogurt • 1 cup blueberries • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Instructions

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush one side of each tortilla lightly with melted butter.

2. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle buttered side of tortillas with cinnamon sugar.

3. Cut each tortilla into 6 wedges. Lay tortilla wedges out in a single layer on two baking sheets.

4. Bake 5 to 7 minutes, until crisp and golden on the edges. Let cool.

5. Place tortilla chips on a serving platter. Top with yogurt, blueberries and mango.

6. Sprinkle with mint. Serve.

Number of servings (yield): 4 - 6 Summer

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Blueberry Fruit “Sushi” Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

¾ cup short grain rice 1 ¼ cups water 2 tablespoons sugar Pinch salt ½ cup coconut milk ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup blueberries ½ avocado, cut into 2-inch batons 1 small peach, apple or plum cut into small cubes

Dipping Sauce Ingredients • 1 cup frozen blueberries • ¹∕₃ cup vanilla yogurt • 1 tablespoon honey

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Instructions 1.

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For the rice: In a medium pot over medium low heat, .combine rice, water, sugar and salt.

Cook about 15 minutes until rice has absorbed the water and is cooked through but still firm.

Stir in coconut milk and vanilla. Mixture should be thick. Let cool.

On a piece of parchment paper with wet hands pat half of the rice into a 7 x 5 inch rectangle.

Lay half of the blueberries along the long end of the rectangle. Add half of the avocado and apple slices.

Roll up in the parchment to enclose the fruit and form a long, tight roll or log .

Unroll the parchment; cut the rice roll crosswise into 1-inch pieces to make “sushi” rolls.

Repeat with remaining rice mixture and fruit.

Dipping Sauce Instructions 1. .Combine blueberries, yogurt and honey in a blender. Puree until smooth.

Number of servings (yield): 14 rolls Summer

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Summer Twitter Posts

Father’s Day gift idea: Toast dad with this homemade jam. http://bit.ly/1R2ZiJ0 @blueberry411 Family fun: kids will love making these Wave the Flag cupcakes for July 4th. http://bit.ly/1sqhqbY @blueberry411 Looking for patriotic inspiration? Wave The Flag cupcakes are party-perfect. http://bit.ly/1sqhqbY @blueberry411 July is National Blueberry Month – what’s your favorite blueberry recipe? http://bit.ly/1R2YRhW @blueberry411 Kids feeling the summer break boredom? Keep them busy with @blueberry411 activity sheets: http://bit.ly/1OyDtH3 Feeling the heat? Cool down with frozen blueberries covered in your favorite yogurt. @blueberry411 Three cheers for three-ingredient blueberry ice cream! http://bit.ly/23TYg9A @blueberry411

More Sample Tweets

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Summer

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Roast Turkey with Blueberry Balsamic Glaze Blueberry Smoothie Saucy Blueberries Blueberry Sage Chutney Three Ingredient Blueberry Ice Cream Blueberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches “Boo”- Berry Milkshakes

Fall represents a fresh start, at school and at home, and blueberries just sweeten the deal.

It’s the perfect time to renew a commitment to making those little changes – simple ways to eat a little better and live more actively – that add up in a big way. As the days get shorter, save yourself time and grocery runs by keeping a stash of frozen blueberries in your freezer.

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Recipe by Sylvia Fountaine, “Feasting at Home” Blog

Roast Turkey with Blueberry Balsamic Glaze Turkey Ingredients • • • • •

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced 3 rosemary sprigs 1 bone-in turkey breast with skin on (2-3 pounds) Salt & pepper

Blueberry Balsamic Glaze Ingredients • • • • • •

2 cups frozen blueberries (divided) ½ cup dried figs, sliced, or if small, halved ½ cup balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 ½ tablespoons whole grain mustard ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper

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Turkey Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 450°F. In a large, heavy, oven-safe bottom skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onion and rosemary sprigs.

2. Rub turkey on all sides with oil (or butter) and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Place turkey in pan, on top of onion mixture; transfer pan to the oven.

4. Turn temperature down to 400°F and bake for 40 minutes.

Blueberry Balsamic Glaze Instructions 1. Place ½ cup of the blueberries, figs and the balsamic vinegar in small saucepan.

Bring to a simmer, then turn heat to low, stirring occasionally until reduced by half.

2. Stir in maple syrup, whole grain mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. After the turkey has cooked for 40 minutes, brush with the glaze and pour the rest over the top.

Give the pan a shake.

4. Surround the turkey with the remaining blueberries, lower oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting in the oven, 20 or more minutes or until turkey reaches 160°F.

Number of servings (yield): 2 Fall

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Blueberry Smoothie Ingredients • 2 quarts (2 ½ pounds) frozen blueberries, slightly thawed, or fresh blueberries • 1 quart pineapple, orange and strawberry juice blend or pineapple-orange juice • 1 quart lowfat vanilla yogurt • 8 teaspoons sugar

Instructions 1. For each serving: In the container of an electric blender, combine 1 cup (5 ounces) blueberries, ½ cup juice, ½ cup yogurt and 1 teaspoon sugar.

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2. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

3. Serve immediately in a tall glass garnished, if desired, with blueberry skewers spiraled with a thin strip of orange peel.

Number of servings (yield): 8

Fall

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Saucy Blueberries Ingredients • 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar • 2 teaspoons cornstarch • 1 pound (3 cups) frozen blueberries, not thawed

Instructions 1. In medium saucepan, stir 2 tablespoons sugar and cornstarch together until blended.

2. Add frozen berries, toss until uniformly coated.

3. Cover and cook over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries thaw and the mixture starts to boil, 5 to 7 minutes.

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4. Remove lid and cook, stirring constantly, until boiling and thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Stir in additional sugar, if desired.

Number of servings (yield): 4 (about 2 cups)

Fall

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Recipe by Robin Runner, “Knead to Cook” Blog

Blueberry Sage Chutney Ingredients • ½ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion • 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced • ¹∕₃ cup orange juice • 2 ¼ cups frozen blueberries, unthawed • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • ¼ cup coconut or regular sugar • 1 teaspoon grated ginger • 5 fresh sage leaves, finely diced • Pinch of salt • Pinch of red pepper flakes

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Instructions 1. In a small, heavy-duty saucepan over medium-high heat, add onions, garlic and orange juice. Stir often, bringing to a boil; add in remaining ingredients.

2. Stir until mixture is brought back to a boil.

3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 – 40 minutes or until sauce has thickened.

4. Set aside to cool; refrigerate until serving.

Number of servings (yield): 1 ¼ cups

Fall

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Three Ingredient Blueberry Ice Cream Ingredients • 2 frozen bananas (chop and peel bananas before freezing; freeze for at least 2 hours) • 1 cup frozen blueberries • 2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise

Instructions 1. Add bananas and blueberries into a powerful blender or food processor.

2.

Scrape vanilla seeds in from the beans and process or blend until creamy. Be sure to scrape down the bowl or pitcher to make sure all the ingredients fully blend in for ultimate creaminess.

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3. Scoop into bowls or cones.

Number of servings (yield): 2

Fall

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Blueberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Ingredients • 1 tablespoon butter, softened • 4 slices whole wheat bread • 1 tablespoon honey • ½ cup blueberries • 2 to 3 oz. white Cheddar cheese or American, sliced thin • 6 thin slices apple

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.

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2. Place bread on a work surface buttered-side-down.

Drizzle honey over two of the slices; top with blueberries.

3. Add a slice of cheese, then the apple slices. Top with remaining cheese.

Top with remaining two slices of bread, buttered-side–up.

4. In a heavy, oven-proof skillet over medium heat, cook sandwiches until golden brown on the bottom. Turn sandwiches over and transfer skillet to oven.

5. Bake about 5 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.

6. Remove from oven and enjoy.

Number of servings (yield): 2 sandwiches

Fall

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“Boo”- Berry Milkshakes Ingredients • 2 cups frozen (unthawed) blueberries • 1 ripe banana • 1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt • ¾ cup milk • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • Whipped topping • Additional fresh blueberries

Instructions 1. In a blender, combine blueberries, banana, frozen yogurt, milk and vanilla; whirl until smooth.

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2. Pipe topping into swirls on top of shakes to make ghosts and dot with blueberries to make eyes.

Number of servings (yield): 3 ¼ cups

Fall

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Fall Twitter Posts

Apple-happy? Try blueberry baked apples for a fun twist on a delicious dish. http://bit.ly/1sqgoN9 @blueberry411 Brighten up your turkey this Thanksgiving with a blueberry balsamic glaze. http://bit.ly/23TLBUi @blueberry411 Family fun: let kids mix up this sweet-n-savory blueberry party mix – then dig in together! http://bit.ly/1WAxTX2 @blueberry411 Chicken wing aficionados: this blueberry chipotle recipe is a game-time winner. http://bit.ly/1TgoA90 @blueberry411 Can’t get enough pumpkin? Pairs perfectly with blueberries for a savory scone. http://bit.ly/23TOynG @blueberry411 Farmers freeze blueberries on the farm, at peak freshness, keeping all nutrients.

Go Frozen! @blueberry411 Stocking the freezer? Frozen blueberries keep all nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber and manganese. @blueberry411

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Fall

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Blueberry Chocolate Clusters Blueberry Party Mix Blueberry Ricotta Bruschetta Blueberry -Avocado Smoothie Blueberry Pineapple Salsa Savory Blueberry Pizza Fruit Kebabs With Blueberry Dip

Fruits and veggies make the winter months pop with color and flavor. Comfort eating doesn’t have to be unhealthy! With blueberry farmers working year-round in North and South America, the little blue dynamos are always available, fresh and frozen, to liven up your plate. (The extra kick of vitamin C never hurts during cold and flu season, either.)

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Blueberry Chocolate Clusters Ingredients • 1 cup fresh blueberries, divided • 1 cup chocolate chips (dark, milk or white)

Instructions 1.

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Rinse blueberries, spread on paper towels and pat dry.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment.

In a small bowl or top of a double boiler, over barely simmering water, place chocolate.

Stir until melted.

Remove bowl from hot water.

Gently fold in blueberries.

Make clusters by spooning 4 or 5 warm, chocolate-coated Print/Share Recipe blueberries onto wax paper, placing them 1 inch apart.

Or spoon mixture into silicone candy molds.

Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

For gift presentation: place clusters in pleated paper candy cups and arrange in a box.

Variations Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day • Spoon heart-shaped mounds, each made with 3 chocolate-coated blueberries onto wax papercovered sheet pan. Chill.

• Makes about 30 mini-heart shapes.

Hostess gift • Make or purchase small sugar cookies.

Winter

• Spoon a small amount of the blueberry-dark chocolate mixture on top of each cookie; allow to set.

Hanukkah • Spray dreidel- or star-shaped cookie cutters with non-stick spray.

• Place on wax paper.

• Using white chocolate-coated blueberries, fill each; chill until firm.

• Remove from cookie cutters and decorate.

Christmas • Arrange chocolate-coated blueberries in wreath shapes or rounds.

• After the shapes have set, decorate with tube frosting or colored sugar.

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Blueberry Party Mix Ingredients • 1 cup dried blueberries • 1 cup chopped walnuts • 1 cup thin pretzels, broken • 1 cup granola or other cereal

Instructions 1. In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, walnuts, pretzels and granola.

2. Store in an airtight container.

3. Best if used within a week.

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Number of servings (yield): 4 cups

Winter

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Blueberry Ricotta Bruschetta Ingredients • 8 slices Italian bread, cut on the diagonal • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 3 tablespoons honey • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, roughly chopped • ½ teaspoon grated lemon peel • 2 cups blueberries

Instructions 1. Preheat broiler to 375°F.

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2. On a rimmed baking sheet, lay out bread slices.

Broil 2 to 4 minutes, just until golden. Turn slices over. Broil 1 to 3 minutes on other side until golden, watching carefully.

3. In a small bowl, combine cheese, 2 teaspoons honey, thyme and lemon peel.

4. Spread mixture evenly among the slices of toast. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon blueberries and a drizzle of the remaining honey.

Number of servings (yield): 8

Winter

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Blueberry -Avocado Smoothie Smoothie Ingredients • 2 cups blueberry compote (recipe below) • 12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt, divided • 8 ounces (1 cup) orange juice • 1 small, fully ripe Hass avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped

Blueberry Compote Ingredients • 16 ounces frozen (unthawed) blueberries • 2 tablespoons sugar • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Smoothie Instructions 1.

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Make blueberry compote, cover and chill.

In a blender, place 6 ounces of the yogurt, orange juice and avocado; blend until smooth.

Divide the avocado mixture between two 16-ounce cups; set aside.

Rinse blender and place blueberry compote and remaining yogurt in blender; blend until smooth. Check consistency; dilute with water or milk if needed.

Slowly pour half the blueberry mixture on top of each of the avocado smoothies for a two-layer effect.

Blueberry Compote Instructions 1.

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Winter

In a large pan, toss blueberries with sugar and cornstarch.

Bring to a boil, stirring; reduce heat to low and simmer until blueberries are heated through and sauce is slightly thickened.

Add additional sugar if needed. Allow to cool, cover and chill.

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Blueberry Pineapple Salsa Ingredients • 2 cups fresh blueberries • 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds and membrane removed, minced • 2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice, divided • ½ teaspoon lime zest • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro • ¼ cup diced red onion • Kosher salt, as needed

Instructions

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1. Combine blueberries, pineapple, jalapeño, 2 tablespoons lime juice, lime zest, cilantro and red onion.

2. Season with salt and additional lime juice as needed.

3. Serve with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to fish or chicken.

Winter

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Savory Blueberry Pizza Ingredients • 1 pound pizza dough • 1 ½ cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided • ½ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese • 4 ounces diced pancetta (can also use bacon or ham if pancetta is not available), cooked and drained • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced • 1 cup fresh blueberries • ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 450°F.

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2. Lightly flour a work surface.

3. Pat and stretch dough into a 10 x 14-inch oval; place on a large baking sheet.

4. With a fork, pierce dough in several places.

5. Leaving a 1- inch border, sprinkle dough with half the mozzarella, the gorgonzola, pancetta and red onion.

6. Bake until crust is golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes.

7. Sprinkle blueberries and remaining mozzarella over pizza; bake until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown, about 2 minutes longer.

8. Remove from oven; top with basil and pepper.

Winter

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Fruit Kebabs with Blueberry Dip Ingredients • 3 cups fresh blueberries, divided • ¹∕₃ cup “light” cream cheese • 2 tablespoons apricot preserves • 2 cups watermelon or pineapple • 2 apples, cored and cut into 24 pieces

Instructions 1. In the container of a food processor or blender place 2 cups blueberries, cream cheese and preserves.

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2. Whirl until smooth.

3. Remove to a serving bowl, cover and refrigerate until serving.

4. On 24 (10-inch) bamboo skewers, alternate remaining blueberries with watermelon and apple pieces.

5. Serve the kebabs with the blueberry dip.

Number of servings (yield): 24 kebabs, 2 cups dip

Winter

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Winter Twitter Posts

Your sweetheart(s) will love these easy blueberry chocolate clusters. http://bit.ly/1R2ZhES @blueberry411 Family fun: blueberry-avocado smoothies are cool to mix up and even cooler to drink down. http://bit.ly/1rOaF2X @blueberry411 Working on your wellness goals in the New Year? A handful of blueberries are only 80 calories. @blueberry411

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Winter

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Blueberry Chicken Chopped Salad Blueberry Almond Butter Smoothies Blueberry Wild Rice Salad Blueberry -Topped Rice Cakes Blueberry Chicken Salad Wraps Blueberry Lemon Parfait

Buds, blooms and breezes: spring brings a renewed sense of energy and purpose. And the time is right to renew healthy lifestyle habits. Even little changes that help families live more actively and healthfully work together to create big rewards. Sweet, juicy blueberries are a simple way to reap health benefits without sacrificing the fun!

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Recipe from “Gimme Some Oven” Blog

Blueberry Chicken Chopped Salad Salad Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Salt and pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 head Romaine lettuce, finely chopped 1 pint (2 cups) fresh blueberries 1 cup roughly-chopped toasted pecans ²�₃ cup diced red onion ½ cup blue cheese (or any soft cheese) Dijon vinaigrette (see below)

Dijon Vinaigrette Ingredients • • • • •

¹�₃ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons honey 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Pinch of salt and black pepper

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Salad Instructions 1. Season chicken breasts on both sides generously with salt and pepper.

2. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

3. Transfer chicken breasts to a separate plate and let rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Then chop into small, bite-sized pieces.

4. Add the chicken to a large bowl with the lettuce, blueberries, pecans, red onion, blue cheese and vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Vinaigrette Instructions Whisk all ingredients together until combined.

Spring

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Recipe from “Love and Olive Oil” Blog

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Blueberry Almond Butter Smoothies Ingredients • 1 banana, peeled • 1 cup frozen blueberries • ½ cup almond butter • ½ cup plain yogurt • ³∕₄ cup almond milk • 3 dates, pitted and quartered • 1 cup ice, or as needed

Instructions 1. Combine all ingredients in a blender; purée on high speed until smooth.

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2. Add a few ice cubes and blend until it reaches your desired consistency.

Spring

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Blueberry Wild Rice Salad Ingredients • 1 package (8 ounces) wild rice blend • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • ³∕₄ cup blueberries • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • ½ cup toasted pecans, chopped • ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint • ½ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions 1. Prepare wild rice blend according to package directions; drain well.

Remove to mixing bowl; set aside.

2. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute.

Reduce heat to low.

3. Stir in blueberries and vinegar; cook five minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Add blueberry mixture to the rice. Add pecans, scallions, mint, salt and pepper; toss to combine.

Number of servings (yield): 4 Spring

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Blueberry -Topped Rice Cakes Ingredients • ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese • 2 teaspoons apricot preserves • 4 apple-cinnamon flavored rice cakes • 1 cup thinly-sliced fresh fruit (such as apple, pear, nectarine or peach) • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions 1. In a small bowl, stir together ricotta and preserves.

2. Spoon an equal amount on each of the rice cakes almost to the edge.

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3. Arrange fruit slices in circles, on top of the ricotta mixture.

4. Top each with ¼ cup of the blueberries.

5. Serve immediately.

Number of servings (yield): 4

Spring

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Blueberry Chicken Salad Wraps Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons mayonnaise ¼ cup finely chopped celery ¼ teaspoon salt 2 cups diced cooked chicken ¾ cup fresh blueberries 6 large lettuce leaves 6 (6-inch diameter) whole-wheat tortillas Optional: ½ - ¾ cup chopped walnuts

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Print/Share Recipe

In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, celery and salt.

Gently stir in chicken and blueberries.

To warm tortillas: on a microwave-safe plate, place a damp paper towel.

Top it with a tortilla.

Repeat to make a stack of paper towels and tortillas, topped with a damp paper towel.

Microwave on high until hot, 30 to 60 seconds.

Place warm tortillas on a counter.

Top each tortilla with a lettuce leaf.

Add in optional chopped walnuts.

Scoop about ½ cup chicken-blueberry salad on each lettuce leaf.

Roll each tortilla into a cylinder.

Cut each in half.

Secure with toothpicks, if desired.

Serve immediately or wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate.

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Blueberry Lemon Parfait Ingredients • 2 ¼ cups vanilla Greek-style yogurt • ¾ cups lemon curd • 12 gingersnap cookies, crushed • 2 cups fresh blueberries

Instructions 1.

In a medium bowl combine yogurt and lemon curd. In a parfait glass layer ¼ cup yogurt mixture, 1 heaping tablespoon cookie crumbs and 1 heaping tablespoon blueberries. Repeat. Top with ¼ cup yogurt mixture and a heaping tablespoon blueberries.

Print/Share Recipe

2. Repeat in 3 more parfait glasses.

3. Parfaits can be chilled in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.

Number of servings (yield): 4 Parfaits

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Spring Twitter Posts

For a bold brunch move, bring blueberry cheddar scones.

Bonus: they’re gluten-free. http://bit.ly/1R4bysU @blueberry411 Family fun: kids will love making these colorful dessert pizzas almost as much as eating them. http://bit.ly/1WBvivQ @blueberry411 Making breakfast on Mother’s Day? These colorful dessert pizzas are simple and delicious. http://bit.ly/1WBvivQ @blueberry411 Be the best lemonade stand on the block with this pink blueberry lemonade. http://bit.ly/23TUjlb @blueberry411 Impress the Easter crowd with blueberry mascarpone bread pudding – for brunch or dessert! http://bit.ly/1rO9fpk @blueberry411 It’s patio time once again – soak up the sun with a blue mojito in hand. http://bit.ly/1sqhuZe @blueberry411 Watching your carbs this spring? Here’s a blueberry cheesecake recipe designed for you. http://bit.ly/1R4j1bi @blueberry411

More Sample Tweets

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Spring

The following materials are intended to offer new perspectives, information and activities for your customers. While blueberries take center stage, we hope to inspire families to make all kinds of little changes – eating better, staying active, taking phone-free breaks – to help them see big rewards. Click on the links for downloadable materials or visit LittleBlueDynamos.com to check out the latest in all things blueberry.

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Year-Round Resources: Getting Started

Blueberry Basics

Parents’ Take Home & Kids’ Activity Sheets

Quick tips on buying, storing and freezing blueberries

Learn More

Learn More

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Kid-friendly recipes and nutrition information

Learn More

Forms of Blueberries

Nutrition Research

The scoop on fresh, frozen, dried, powdered, liquid and puréed

Understand the role that blueberries may play in promoting good health

Learn More

Year-Round Resources

Year-Round Resources: Getting Started

Follow us for more recipes, inspiration and ideas – we love shares, pins, regrams and retweets!

@LittleBlueDynamos

BlueberryLife

LittleBlueDynamos

@blueberry411

Year-Round Resources

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Year-Round Resources: Getting Started

Memes Vibrant images with tips and recipes, ready for Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

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Year-Round Resources

Year-Round Resources

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Year-Round Resources

Year-Round Resources

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Year-Round Resources: How-to Videos

Savory Blueberry Pizza

C LI CK TO WATCH VIDE O

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Year-Round Resources

Year-Round Resources: How-to Videos

Easy Blueberry Muffins

C LI CK TO WATCH VIDE O

Year-Round Resources

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Year-Round Resources: How-to Videos

Classic Blueberry Pie

C LI CK TO WATCH VIDE O

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Year-Round Resources

Year-Round Resources: How-to Videos

Blueberry Moscow Mule

C LI CK TO WATCH VIDE O

Year-Round Resources

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Year-Round Resources: How-to Videos

Homemade Blueberry Jam

C LI CK TO WATCH VIDE O

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Year-Round Resources

Year-Round Resources: Tips & Trivia Content

Tips and Trivia Content about blueberries relevant for your customers.

Tips • Buy fresh blueberries that are: deep purple-blue to blue-black, silvery surface, firm, dry.

• Refrigerate fresh blueberries when you get home; rinse right before eating.

• Brighten your plate with fresh blueberries for a burst of vitamin C, fiber and manganese.

Food Trivia • Americans ate 735 million pounds of blueberries last year.

• Native Americans called blueberries “star berries” for the star shape on top.

• Blueberries date back 13,000 years.

Pop Quiz: When are blueberries in season?

Pop Quiz Answer: Blueberries are always in season, thanks to freezing and farmers in North and South America.

Pop Quiz: How many states in the U.S. grow blueberries (commercially)?

Pop Quiz Answer: Blueberries are grown for commercial use in 38 of our 50 states.

Pop Quiz: Can you eat blueberries that are more red than blue?

Pop Quiz Answer: Yes! But they’ll be a bit sour – use them to cook and bake.

Year-Round Resources

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Talking Points /Intercom Announcements

Use these quick facts for talking points for media segments or intercom announcements.

• Blueberries are available all year long – fresh and frozen.

• 1 cup of fresh blueberries is a good source of fiber.

They are an excellent source of vitamin C and contain manganese.

• Blueberries are low fat and sodium and have just 80 calories per cup.

• Blueberries are born simple – just wash and go.

No chopping or peeling necessary.

• Taking something like [insert relevant food item here – ex: muffins, pizza or a turkey sandwich] and adding an ingredient like blueberries is a little change that creates food that is familiar, more nutritious and alive with flavor.

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Talking Points/Intercom Announcements

In -Store Activities: Blueberries in a Jar

Guess the Number of Blueberries in the Jar This twist on an old favorite is sure to grab the attention of shoppers young and old.

Supplies needed • Blueberries – any amount!

• One large, clear jar or a few smaller jars to make a display.

• Entry form cards – print out these designed entry cards that can be customized. with your store’s logo.

• Pens or pencils for entries.

• Prizes for the winner!

To do • Count blueberries and place in a large jar, or a display of small jars.

• Set up a large jar with a display sign and sheets for customers to place their guesses.

• Don’t waste the blueberries! Once you are finished with the demo, wash them and enjoy.

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In -Store Activities: Smoothie Station

Blueberry Smoothie Station Smoothies are a great way to teach customers how to get a lot of beneficial ingredients into one meal.

Plus, frozen blueberries keep it easy! Print out the recipe card to hand out to attendees.

Supplies needed • Blenders • Ingredients from the Blueberry Smoothie recipe • Basket or large bowl for the extra goodies (bananas, greens, peaches, kiwi – whatever is available!)

• Ice (if not using frozen blueberries) • Cups for tasting • Colorful straws to make it fun • Demo table • Don’t forget food safety!

To do • Set up the table with a few blenders.

• Place recipe ingredients out at each blender station. and leave a basket of additional items for each participant to customize his or her smoothie.

• Use this colorful poster to attract attention to the demo.

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In-Store Activities

In -Store Activities: Smoothie Station

Blueberry Smoothie Station (continued) Ingredients • 2 quarts (2 ½ pounds) frozen blueberries, slightly thawed or fresh blueberries *note, if using fresh you will need ice* • 1 quart low-fat vanilla yogurt • Juice blend (pineapple-orange-strawberry or pineapple-orange)

Instructions 1. For each serving: In the container of an electric blender, combine 1 cup (5 ounces) blueberries, ½ cup juice and ½ cup yogurt.

2. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

3. Serve immediately in a tall glass garnished, if desired, with blueberry skewers spiraled with a thin strip of orange peel.

Number of servings (yield): 8

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In -Store Activities: Fruit Sushi

“Frushi” - Fruit Sushi Academy Demonstrate this easy and delicious fruit-filled “fruishi” and have children (ages 6 and up) follow along and make their own. Print out this recipe card to hand out to attendees.

Supplies needed • Rice cooker or crock pot* • Parchment paper • Demo table

• Large spoons • Knives • Don’t forget food safety!

To do • Prepare the sushi rice in advance and keep warm at a demo table in a rice cooker or crock pot.

• Lay out one piece of parchment paper for each class attendee.

• Ask attendees to scoop a portion of rice onto the paper and use their hands to pat it out as instructed in the recipe.

• Follow the rest of the recipe instructions below.

• Assist younger classmates with cutting their sushi rolls.

Ingredients • • • • •

¾ cup short grain rice 1 ¼ cups water 2 tablespoons sugar Pinch salt ½ cup coconut milk

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½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup blueberries ½ avocado, cut into 2-inch batons 1 small peach, apple or plum cut into small cubes

*to keep sushi rice warm

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In-Store Activities

In -Store Activities: Fruit Sushi

Fruit Sushi Academy (continued) Dipping Sauce Ingredients (optional) • • •

1 cup frozen blueberries ¹�₃ cup vanilla yogurt 1 tablespoon honey

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For the rice: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine rice, water, sugar and salt.

Cook about 15 minutes until rice has absorbed the water and is cooked through but still firm.

Stir in coconut milk and vanilla. Mixture should be thick. Let cool.

On a piece of parchment paper with wet hands pat half of the rice into a 7 x 5 inch rectangle.

Lay half of the blueberries along the long end of the rectangle. Add half of the avocado and apple slices.

Roll up in the parchment to enclose the fruit and form a long, tight roll or log.

Unroll the parchment; cut the rice roll crosswise into 1-inch pieces to make “sushi.” rolls.

Repeat with remaining rice mixture and fruit.

Dipping Sauce Instructions 1. Combine blueberries, yogurt and honey in a blender. Puree until smooth.

Number of servings (yield): 14 rolls In-Store Activities

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For a downloadable PDF, please contact: Joanne.Tehrani@padillacrt.com