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Preserve the Bounty of Summer, Enjoy All Year!

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May 29, 2014
ENJOY THE GREAT TASTE OF SUMMER ALL YEAR LONG! TRY THESE DELICIOUS WAYS TO PRESERVE SOME OF THE SEASON'S HARVEST.

BERRIES

Freeze them!
The easiest way to preserve summer berries is to freeze them. Wash and drain the fresh berries. Then, freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet or shallow pan for one to two hours. Once they're frozen, you can keep them in a freezer bag for up to one year. Use them in muffins or baked goods, grab a few frozen berries for a breakfast smoothie, or use them to make summery vinaigrette to dress your winter salads.

Make jam.
Mix and match your favorite fresh berries to create a delicious jam. Jam is fat-free. Look online, in cookbooks and in magazines for recipes that use less or no sugar. A jar of your delicious homemade jam along with Apple Cinnamon Muffins makes a beautiful hostess gift during the holidays.

TOMATOES

Cook it up. Dig out your favorite tomato sauce recipe and get cooking in the kitchen. While you're at it, consider making salsa too. The sauce and salsa can be frozen or canned for up to about one year.

Freeze them.

Tomatoes can be blanched, chilled and then stored in the freezer for about one year. Frozen tomatoes are perfect for adding to soups and casseroles, and can be used in dishes such as Breakfast Omelette with Sunrise Salsa.

OTHER VEGGIES

Make soup. Take your favorite vegetables and make a batch of vegetable soup, like Knorr® Ancho Chili Beef and Vegetable soup — a great recipe to use up your stored veggies. Keep the soups in the freezer for the perfect meal on a cold winter's day — you'll be happy you did!

Bake them.
Grate fresh zucchini or carrots to make low-fat loaves or muffins. Freeze and simply warm them up in the microwave or toaster oven for a tasty breakfast or a snack.
   
HERBS

Dry them. Herbs are a flavorful alternative to salt. Use a food dehydrator or oven to dry fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, thyme and tarragon. Keep the dried herbs in an airtight bag or container, and store in a cool, dark place for about a year.

Presto pesto. Take a few bunches of fresh basil and use them in any homemade pesto recipe. Freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. For an easy side dish on a busy fall night, cook some whole wheat pasta and toss in a few pesto ice cubes. Serve alongside Hellmann’s® Parmesan Crusted Chicken, and presto — dinner is ready!

For more Beauty and Food Tips from Unilever and your favorite brands, visit www.MakingLifeBetter.com.