It is the height of strawberry season and we have all, at one time or another, gone crazy in the purchasing of berries. The problem is what to do with those leftover. You know the ones. The berries that look overripe and kind of mushy but they’re still good!  Well now you can have your berries and eat them too, especially with this great lemon pound cake!

METHOD
Stewed Summer Berry Pot

1. Wash all of your berries and prep the ones that need prepping before starting.
2. In a mixing bowl, gently toss together the raspberries, red currants, blueberries, sour cherries,and strawberries. Transfer 2 cups of the berries into a food processor and purée.
3. In a large saucepan mix the berry purée with the red wine, cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange juice and orange zest. Bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Stir in the tapioca and return to a boil, stirring until thick.
4. Strain the berry mixture through a fine sieve set over a bowl, reserving the liquid. Pour the hot liquid over the fresh berries and gently fold together.

Grilled Lemon Pound Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour an 8– or 10–inch tube pan. (Bread pan)
2. Sift together the flour and baking powder. (This prevents large air pockets in your cake)
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, shortening and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and beat well.
4. Add the flour, alternating with the milk. Stir in the vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Turn the batter into the tube pan or a bundt pan. Bake for 1½ hours or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on a rack.
6. Preheat grill to medium.
7. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, invert and remove pound cake. Slice the cake into 1– to 2–inch–thick slices. Lightly butter both sides.
8. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until lightly golden and toasted.
9. Serve with Stewed Summer Berry Pot and a spoon full of vanilla or coconut ice cream, or a huge dollop of whipped cream.

What a great end to any meal on a summer’s day. These berries can also make a mean smoothie, or top your pancakes, waffles and french toast. What would you use you berries for?

Happy Grilling!