Oh beautiful blueberry

I just couldn't resist starting off with this picture of my little ones.  Again, the got buddy buddy, but only long enough for me to take this picture.  Then the realized the error of their ways, and well, parted ways.

In keeping with the animal theme, this was my drive to work the other day.  Gotta love it.

I had a craving for stuffed shells, and I am thinking that maybe after seeing all those cows, I had an urge for cheese.  Good thing the commissary sells the Amy's version of stuffed shells.

Good there have been a dairy craving bug going around.  Ryan decided last night that he wanted a smoothie.  I thought he was crazy because it was freezing in the house, so I declined.  But I watched.

First in were strawberries.

Then came the blueberries.  Oh yeah!  Gotta love those blueberries.

And this is why the blueberry is so beautiful.  Yes, this is now a purple milkshake.  A low fat milkshake of course.

Ryan must know me so well because he made a little extra.  He knew after he started making it that I would change my mind and really want to have some.  So, I did take a small amount, and it was so delicious.

Can you believe that we made a Mickey Mouse looking mess?

I think I had blueberries on the brain because when I woke up, I still wanted blueberries.  Heck yes, I wanted more blueberries.  They are so good for you.  Here is the low down on blueberries, if you didn't already know about their magical powers:

Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin C.
In fact, a serving contains about 14 mg or almost 25% of daily requirement for Vitamin C. Vitamin C is needed for the formation of collagen and to maintain healthy gums and capillaries. It also aids in the absorption of iron and promotes a healthy immune system.

Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber.
Government surveys tell us that there is not enough fiber in our diet. A diet high in fiber contributes to heart health, helping to keep cholesterol in check. Fiber also aids in digestions and helps maintain regularity.

Blueberries contain substances that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals which are unstable molecules linked to the development of a number of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's.

http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/nutrition.php

Now that brings me to breakfast this morning.  We are using frozen blueberries, and I recommend frozen fruit as an alternative to fresh.  Particularly when fruits are out of season. I thaw mine for a few hours before using them in frozen yogurt as a topping, and they are great acting as ice cubes in iced tea or lemonade.  But for breakfast, I added them to oatmeal, with a little of my FAVE PB of all time.  If you have not tried Crazy Richards (and they make Krema PB too) then you are truly missing out.  I have been obsessed with this PB ever since I won it from a giveaway.  Oh, it is so good.  Which means this was a fantastic combo for breakfast.

This was the oatmeal, then I added PB and frozen blueberries, then heated it again.  I did this quick and easy microwave style.

The end result: two thumbs up and full for quite some time.

QUESTION:  What is your favorite way to eat blueberries?  Do you enjoy them by themselves, or use them for something like muffins or smoothies?

Great giveaway:  click here for a chance to win nuts from Sahale Snacks.  They look really good so check it out.