One of our favorite family traditions each spring is driving out to Edom, Texas to pick blueberries at Blueberry Hill Farms. There are other farms in East Texas but we've continued going there partly because we love the family's story so much.
The couple that bought the farm had worked in the telecom business. They wanted something different for their daughters and decided to buy the farm. It's been a huge success and we've loved watching the farm expand. The daughters have all played a role. One has quite a big baking business. Another made ice cream and another sold blueberry lemonade. Last year they even had the Grandfather out in the parking area helping to direct traffic.
I am amazed that our boys, who are well into their teens still enjoy the trip. We take off at the crack of dawn so they usually sleep along the way. It was fun for me to remember them as little guys out there with their small buckets picking one berry at a time. Pick...plunk in the basket. Long pause then pick....plunk in the basket.
This year it was blazing hot out there. We usually get out there earlier in June and yesterday it was a killer. I am already prone to being bothered by the heat and sun because of Sjogrens. I was feeling a little woozie and was afraid that I was going to pass out. If I did and woke to find my basket of blueberries scattered all over the pathway I would be crushed. So I retreated to the water tent.
When the boys and Hubby walked up announcing that they'd had enough too I felt better. All things considered it was another successful harvest of the lovely, plump, blue gems. We had our bounty bagged up for us and purchased one of the daughter's famous blueberry cream pies.
We always top off the trip with a visit to The Shed Cafe for lunch. While they are famous for their crazy delicious pies they are forever in my heart for their chicken fried steak. Yes...a southern staple that's slowly being stricken from menus across the south. Stricken because it's fried and perhaps not the healthiest choice on the menu. Throw in mashed taters and seasoned green beans and this girl is in heaven. Sigh.
I'm off now to bake. It's muffins this morning. Pancakes tomorrow...pie for after dinner. Yum.
Blueberry Cream PIE??? Sounds beyond delicious. Dang. I may have to get out my rolling pin this afternoon...
ReplyDeleteI was away last weekend and didn't see your post. Glad you were able to take your annual trip to pick blueberries. Hope you enjoyed many yummy blueberry treats!
ReplyDeleteDid you try that muffin recipe?