Farmer's Market Season

Market season is my favourite time of year (second only to Christmas) and not just for the abundance of fresh foods. My camera gets quite a workout when I make it out to the markets. I just can't get over all the bright colours, and wonderful lines.

One of my favourite things to shop for here on the island is the blueberries. Yellowpoint Blues, just outside Nanaimo, has some of the best blueberries I have ever tasted! And the size of some of them... wow!! Amazing!

*my daughter's 7yr old hand:

And my all-time favourite thing to make with all those wonderful blueberries: ice cream!! It's popular with the whole family, we just can't get enough. My Kitchen-Aid ice cream maker gets quite the workout once these blueberries hit the market stalls.

Blueberry ice cream is super easy! No eggs for a custard base, makes it a lot quicker too. All you need is a blender and an ice cream maker.

• 4 C fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 C sugar (can adjust based on sweetness of berries)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla
• pinch of salt
• 1.5 C whole milk
• 2.5 C whipping cream

Purée the blueberries and sugar together in a blender until smooth, add the rest of the ingredients and purée until blended. Feel free to strain if you want but I don't think it needs it so I never do.

Pour mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the directions. Probably in the ballpark of 20mins. Pour into a freezer safe container and freeze for 4hrs until firm. Scoop and enjoy!

And there you have it! An excellent summer treat made with the plumpest of market berries. SO get out and support your local farmers whenever you can, however you can. Happy shopping!