The Great American Pie Month - Blueberry Pie

I've always enjoyed blueberries, and blueberry pie, but it is a pie I rarely make. So, if you enjoy blueberries and blueberry pie, here is a recipe you might try - 

Ingredients -

• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions -

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F 
2. Mix sugar, cornstarch, salt and sprinkle over blueberries.
3. Line pie dish with one pie crust. Pour berry mixture into the crust, and dot with butter. Cut remaining pastry into 1/2 - 3/4 inch wide strips, and make lattice top. Crimp and flute edges.
4. Bake pie on lower shelf of oven for about 50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
5. Enjoy!

I thought it would also be fun to share some fun facts about blueberries - did you know . . .

• Blueberries are nutrient dense and loaded with antioxidants making them a welcome addition to oatmeal, salads, smoothies and desserts. 
• One of the most common health benefits of blueberries derives from antioxidants called flavonoids. Of all fruits and vegetables, blueberries have the highest levels of the flavonoid anthocyanin.
• One of the blueberry’s superpowers is its ability to protect cholesterol in blood from being damaged. The antioxidants in blueberries have been proven to reduce levels of the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL). 
• There are over 150 varieties of blueberries out there! However, not all blueberries are edible. Many varieties are actually toxic. 
• Did you know that blueberries are one of the only naturally occurring blue foods?
• Did you know that blueberry bushes can survive natural disasters? Many of the most blueberry dense places in the world like California, Washington, and British Columbia are prone to forest fires. One of the first plants to come back after a fire is the blueberry, which often grows back better after being destroyed.

You will find more interesting info about blueberries at this link.