Make the most of smooshed berries with a simple macerated berry syrup that can be added to yogurt, toast, pancakes, oatmeal, and other treats.
To macerate berries:
- Place washed berries in a bowl, making sure to remove stems and cut up larger berries into bite-sized pieces (this can be one type of berry, or an assortment, depending on what you have on hand)
- Sprinkle berries with sugar - we recommend about 2 Tablespoons per pint of berries
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice (this will enhance the flavor of the berries)
- Stir the mixture until all the berries are coated
- Cover the bowl and let sit for about 20 min on the counter before using
- For a richer flavor, place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours
The sugar will soften and draw out the juices in the berries. The longer you leave the mixture, the softer and jucier the syrup. Macerated berries can keep in the fridge for 3-5 days, but keep a close eye on them for any visible mold or new smells.
If you want to keep the berries for even longer, consider Chef Alison's tip for cooking them into a quick jam.
