7 Blackberry Recipes + Sources of Inspiration

While I always have plenty of ideas about food, I often go through periods of time in which I'm relatively uninspired about other areas of my life.  It's related to the seasons, but it's not just that--it's partly my unique ups and downs, which affect my perception of everyday life in ways I'm not always aware of.  I didn't even realize I had been in a bit of a funk this past winter until I started to come out of it at the beginning of May, and I think it all started with some really good blackberries.  (Have you had any blackberries yet this season?  Maybe it's just me, and I admit that I may be biased because blackberries are my favorite fruit, but I think this year's have been the best I've ever had.)

Luckily, I usually find that once I'm sufficiently inspired by any single thing, inspiration starts popping up everywhere.  Ever since I entered an inspirational period of sorts this month, it's felt like whoever or whatever is in charge of inspiration is yelling at me to be constantly inspired with a huge marquee made of flashing lights.


What inspires you?  I would love to hear about it, or hear your thoughts on blackberries, in the comments below!

Without further ado, here are seven amazing blackberry recipes, followed by a list of things that have inspired me lately.

Blackberry Recipes:

Photo by Rachel Cotterill

Blackberry Vanilla Jam (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Vegan): This jam from Rachel Cotterill looks amazing, and I can only imagine how delicious a blackberry jam spiked with vanilla would be on ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING.  Specifically, I would love to try it on muffins, pancakes, or even in a simple jelly omelette.  I'm thinking it could be made with coconut sugar or granulated maple sugar for a paleo-friendly version, but haven't tried it (if you beat me to it, let me know how it goes!).

Blackberry Smash (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo, Vegan Option): This may be my favorite recipe that I've created, and the photographs are definitely my favorites out of all the ones I've ever taken.  Everything about this drink is fun: making it, looking at it, taking pictures of it, and drinking it.  Both the cocktail and the virgin version are irresistible.

Photo by Dorothy Reinhold

Blackberry Lemonade (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Vegan): I can't stop with the blackberry drinks, and this one from Shockingly Delicious is next on my must-try list.  Once again, I bet you could make a paleo-friendly version with granulated maple sugar or coconut sugar.

Blackberry, Almond, and Rocket Salad with Fresh Mozzarella (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Vegetarian): I made this salad for the first time last summer, and Ben and I both loved it.  Without the mozzarella, it's paleo and vegan (and makes a great side dish).

Blackberry Salsa (scroll down for the salsa, which is paleo, grain-free, and vegan; the quinoa cakes also featured in the post are none of the above, but do sound interesting!): I am planning to try this recipe from How Sweet It Is on top of pork chops for a summery version of the apple compote I usually use.  I bet it would also be fabulous with plantain chips.

Photo by Elise Bauer

Blackberry Frozen Yogurt (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Vegetarian): The color of this frozen yogurt from Simply Recipes is simply irresistible.

Photo by Tiffany McCauley

Rosemary Balsamic Blackberry Chicken (Paleo, Gluten-free, Grain-free): This recipe from The Gracious Pantry sounds like just what everyone's always looking for--an easy slow-cooker dinner with unique and delicious flavor.

Sources of Inspiration:

1. The kids at the two schools where I'm working for my first external placement.  I'm thrilled to be back in the schools, and have been really impressed with the motivation, enthusiasm, and cleverness of the children I've gotten to work with so far.  If you are looking for something meaningful to do and are able to work or volunteer in a classroom in some capacity, even just for one day, I bet you will be so glad you did--and I bet the kids will be, too.

2. This post by Rebecca McLoughlin on finally pulling off her dream May Day adventure and not being afraid to show some big love.  The rest of her site is also great, especially if you need to be inspired to de-clutter your space.

3. The huge rainbow I saw over route 93 during my commute the other day.  I love it when getting up early has unexpected rewards.

4. This recipe from Alexandra's Kitchen.  It's inspired me to quarter a chicken myself--I will let you know how it goes.  Also, her blog is one of my favorites for food photography inspiration.  Check out all the light!

5. Nisha Moodley's action guide.  If you're stuck figuring out what you want in life, or how to get it, this little free e-book might be just the trick!  I felt happier within five minutes of beginning to fill it out, and have been feeling happier overall ever since.

6. Citrus.  All of the citrus fruits inspire me to cook, take photographs, and do other creative things like interior decorating (read: buying lots of of kitchen tools in bright shades of yellow, orange, pink, and green).  This Instagram photo is my favorite one I've ever posted, and just looking at it makes me happy.

7. Sugar Bowl Café.  I know you might not live near me, but any true neighborhood spot should do the trick.  I spent a couple of hours at Sugar Bowl this morning and felt totally refreshed.  I'm not recommending it because of the food and drinks (although I do like the coffee and ice cream, and the breakfast sandwiches are delicious if you're not avoiding gluten); I'm recommending it because it's a business that's firmly rooted in the physical place in which its located.  The owner was there, he introduced himself to me, he already knew almost all the other customers, and most of the customers knew each other.  If you're there for any length of time at all, you'll realize that this café could not be anywhere else except Dorchester.  I am tired of seeing Dunkin Donuts, and I want to see more places like this.