The Simplicity of Blueberries

One of the best things about blueberries is their simplicity. You don't have to peel them before use, a simple rinse will do. Throw them in your cereal, morning yogurt, a smoothie, a salad or just enjoy as a quick snack. These little berries packed full of vitamins and minerals can be a healthy addition to any diet.  
Blueberry Coffee Cake is a crumbly, sweet pastry. The almond extract enhances the flavor of the blueberry filling. Invite a friend or neighbor over to share this breakfast treat.   
Recipe adapted from Midwest Living Brunch and Breakfast 2014

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups blueberries
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 TB. cornstarch 
• 3/4 tsp. almond extract

Cake Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1-1/2 tsp. Saigon cinnamon or 2 tsp. regular cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 large egg lightly beaten 
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. Saigon cinnamon or 3/4 tsp. regular cinnamon
• 3/4 cup crushed almonds
• 2 TB.butter 

Filling Directions:

• In a medium saucepan combine blueberries and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer on low covered 3 minutes. In a small cup stir cornstarch with 1/4 cup sugar and add to blueberry mixture. Cook over medium heat until thickened about 3 minutes. Add almond extract and set aside. 

Cake Directions:  

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 8 x 8 pan. In a medium bowl stir together 1-1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or your fingers cut in the 1/4 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.    
• Make a well in center of flour mixture. Set aside.
•  In a small bowl combine egg, buttermilk and vanilla.  Use a whisk and mix well. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture and stir only until combined. Spread in a baking pan. 
• Spread blueberry filling evenly over the batter. 

Topping Directions: 

• Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and almonds together. Cut in butter using fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 
• Sprinkle evenly over blueberry filling.
• Bake for 24-30 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.