Berries bring much-needed color and flavor when they burst onto the scene in the spring and summertime. As they fill our local grocery stores and farmers’ markets, we anticipate all the ways we can bake with them. One of the only downsides to beloved strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries is their short shelf life, so it’s good to have a plan in place before you stock up. When you’re shopping, always look for vibrantly colored berries that haven’t been crushed, and one great way to check for freshness is to flip the cartons upside down; the berries will not stick to the bottom in the freshest containers. So, pick some berries and pick some of these recipes to try, and get baking.
Raspberry-Banana Pudding
Try this fruity new spin on the classic summertime sweet.
Makes 6 (8-ounce) servings
2 (6-ounce) containers fresh raspberries, divided2 cups whole milk⅔ cup sugar, divided5 egg yolks3 tablespoons cornstarch1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened1½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided 3 to 4 drops red liquid food coloring1 cup ¼-inch-sliced banana (about 1½ medium bananas) 6 honey graham crackersWhipped Cream (recipe follows)Garnish: graham cracker crumbs
