Friday, June 2, 2017

All right, you say, what is a Goldenberry? Or Golden Berry? Or Cape Gooseberry, or amour en cage (if you’re in France), or uchuva or Peruvian ground cherry?



I dunno, but my local market had them this past week. It’s some kind of berry that originated in Peru, and apparently it’s the darling of the health food crowd. Its publicists claim it’s delicious and healthful, with a sweet and mildly tart flavor. We’ll ignore the disclaimer about the “protective sap” which is “a bit sticky to the touch--you can rinse it off if it bothers you. Lots of vitamins! Healthful antioxidants! Might even lower your cholesterol!

So I went hunting for a cookie recipe. Hey, these pretty little critters might even make cookies good for you! So see me plunge into the world of . . .

Goldenberry Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

6 oz. (weight) Goldenberries

1 cup water
3 Tblsp maple syrup
1-1/2 cups quick oats
1 cup flour
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, melted


Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.



Chop the goldenberries. Combine the water and maple syrup. Add the goldenberries and simmer until the water has evaporated (about 10 minutes)—in other words, you’re making a quick goldenberry jam as a filling. Do not let the mixture burn!



In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar, baking soda and salt until well mixed.

Melt the butter and add to the oat mixture and mix well.



Press 2/3 of the oat mixture into a 8” or 9” square baking pan.



Spread the goldenberry mixture over it.



Sprinkle the rest of the oat mixture over the top of the berries and gently press down.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Let cool for 10-15 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.





The verdict? I think I like goldenberries. They don’t taste quite like any other fruit: they’re both sweet and tart at the same time, and there’s just a hint of perfume to the flavor. The flavor stood up well to the oatmeal mixture around it. I may just try them again!


A Late Frost (Orchard Mystery #11), coming November 2017.

I don't think Goldenberries grow in Massachusetts, but my apple trees have baby apples! Meg's will soon, I'm sure.

www.sheilaconnolly.com


2 comments:

  1. need to try the oatmeal bars and read A Late Frost

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sweet and tart with a bit of perfume? Sounds a bit like passion fruit.
    Good for you for exploring them.

    ReplyDelete