Today is a take it easy kind of day. The kids are off to camp and won’t be home for days. That means I can take it easy on the cooking as well. Except when the husband demands for his own food cravings, then I’m on food patrol again. But I got none of those today. I opened up a food magazine and started reading on berries and get some chill time.

I wasn’t planning on doing some baking, but inspiration hit me with those berries. I figured I really can’t put down my chef’s hat just yet; well, not when my cooking instincts take over me. I would probably end up eating half of this dish myself before the kids could try it. Or, I might just make them a fresh batch. This one’s for the husband and I to enjoy tonight.

But before I go head into the kitchen to do the cooking, I want to share what I read about berries. I believe this is what would convince you to incorporate them more into your diet. It’s really good for the following reasons:

• Fresh or frozen berries are best. They don’t lose their nutritional value anyway you have it.
• When used in baking, it mixes well as a garnish in cakes, muffins and cookies.
• Berries are naturally high in Vitamin C and a rich source of antioxidants. On this case, more of it is better for the body.

Ingredients

• 4 large cooking apples, peeled and sliced or coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups raspberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cold butter, cut in small pieces
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup sifted all-purpose flour
• dash salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2/3 cup quick cooking rolled oats

Description

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 325°F. Next, rub some butter on a 11 x 17 inch baking dish.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together sliced apples, berries and granulated sugar. Give it a little toss. Add in some small pieces of cold butter. Pour this into the baking dish.
3. Next, combine the brown sugar, flour, salt, baking soda and rolled oats with the melted butter. Toss this mixture and then sprinkle over evenly over the fruits.
4. Take the baking dish into oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Check to see if the fruits are tender and the toppings turned brown.
5. Best served straight out of the oven.