As you’ve probably heard me say a time or two, I LOVE my breakfast. I could have breakfast for every meal of the day and I’d be set. But I’m also a creature of habit and tend to stick to the same few options. Which lately has included this delicious triple berry spread, or jam, or syrup – really whatever you want it to be!
What’s great about this spread is it’s basically just berries, so you’re getting the full health benefits without all of the added sugars or artificial sweeteners that are usually in the store bought stuff. Berries may be small but they actually provide a powerhouse of nutrients – they’re full of antioxidants and phytochemicals as well, which can help prevent, or even reverse in some cases, various diseases and certain types of cancer (phytochemicals are naturally occurring nutrients that help protect our cells from damage), so go ahead and eat up!
Ingredients
1 – 16 oz bag of frozen triple berry blend, or fruit of your choice
1/4 c. ~ 2 c. water ⇒ amount depends on desired consistency!
1 tbs. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. stevia extract [to taste]
Pinch of sea salt
1 tsp. xanthan gum [thickening agent]*
1 tsp. vanilla extract
*Though I haven’t tried it, I believe an equal amount of guar gum or ½ t. gluccomannan would also work in place of the xanthan gum
Directions
In a medium size pot, add frozen berries and desired amount of water.
Note: For a jam like consistency, use about 1/4 c.; for a consistency closer to a syrup, use up to 2c.
Heat on medium, and mash berries as they begin to warm. Once again, consistency is up to you! You can leave the berries somewhat whole, or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture. I prefer something somewhat in the middle which is why I use a potato masher.
Increase heat to medium-high and add lemon juice, stevia and sea salt. Once berries begin to boil, slowly add xanthan gum while whisking/stirring the mixture continuously to ensure the xanthan gum doesn’t ball up. Reduce heat and continue stirring to confirm desired consistency. Remember, the mixture will thicken up a bit after it cools so it should be slightly thinner than desired. If mixture is too thin, add a tad more xanthan gum – but do so sparingly! A little goes a long way with this stuff.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool before transferring into jar.
Enjoy with pancakes, waffles, spread on toast, mixed into oatmeal, on top of dessert or with Greek yogurt – the options are endless!
- 1 - 16 oz bag of frozen triple berry blend, or fruit of your choice
- ¼ c. ~ 2 c. water
- 1 tbs. lemon juice
- ½ tsp. stevia extract [to taste]
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 tsp. xanthan gum [thickening agent]
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- In a medium size pot, add frozen berries and desired amount of water. Note: For a jam like consistency, use about ¼ c.; for a consistency closer to a syrup, use up to 2c.
- Heat on medium, and mash berries as they begin to warm. Once again, consistency is up to you! You can leave the berries somewhat whole, or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture. I prefer something somewhat in the middle which is why I use a potato masher.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add lemon juice, stevia and sea salt. Once berries begin to boil, slowly add xanthan gum while whisking/stirring the mixture continuously to ensure the xanthan gum doesn't ball up.
- Reduce heat and continue stirring to confirm desired consistency. Remember, the mixture will thicken up a bit after it cools so it should be slightly thinner than desired. If mixture is too thin, add a tad more xanthan gum - but do so sparingly! A little goes a long way with this stuff.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool before transferring into jar.