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About Dorothy

Dorothy Stainbrook is a specialty crop farmer and recipe developer based in Minnesota. She's been growing heirloom tomatoes, chile peppers, blueberries, and culinary herbs on her 23-acre farm for over two decades, selling at Twin Cities farmers markets since 2000. A 3x Good Food Awards winner (2012, 2013, 2015) and board member of Les Dames d'Escoffier Minnesota, Dorothy spent five years as a slow carb diet coach, helping 400+ clients learn to cook healthy, flavorful food. Her work has been featured in Saveur, Wine Spectator, Culture Magazine, and the Star Tribune. Her farm is called HeathGlen Farm or HeathGlen Organic Farm.

Protecting Blueberry Plants Over Winter

Blueberry plants grown in containers will thrive in the summer but in many climates they will need a little extra care in winter to prevent their roots from freezing. Find out how to protect a potted blueberry bush in winter, whether you’re overwintering it indoors or outdoors! Jump to: Hardiness Considerations | Outdoor Care | …

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The Sweetest Strawberries: Varieties and How to Grow Sweet Strawberries

Quick Summary: Strawberry sweetness depends on variety, potassium fertilizer, full sun, and harvesting at peak ripeness. June-bearing varieties like Earliglow and Honeoye tend to be sweetest, but day-neutrals like Albion and Seascape also deliver excellent flavor. Read time: 10 min | Experience level: Beginner to intermediate Jump to: Sweetest Varieties | How To Grow | …

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Chicken Pipián Verde: Pumpkin Seed Green Mole

Quick Summary: A tangy, herbal Mexican sauce made from pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, poblano and serrano peppers, and fresh cilantro, served over chicken. Sometimes called mole verde, though pipián always features pumpkin seeds as the star. Easier than complex moles but deeply flavorful. Tested in Oaxaca and brought home to my Minnesota kitchen. Prep: 30 min …

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Traditional Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)

Quick Summary: Fluffy tomato-based rice that accompanies most Mexican meals. Made by toasting rice in oil, then simmering in pureed tomato broth with peas and seasonings. This recipe comes from a friend in the Bajío region of Mexico. The key is rinsing the rice thoroughly, toasting it before adding liquid, and letting it rest covered …

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Blueberry Martini and Italian Soda (Using Homemade Drink Syrups)

Quick Summary: A simple blueberry martini made with vodka and a homemade blueberry drink syrup. The same syrup transforms sparkling water into an Italian soda or elevates lemonade. Includes tips on infusing syrups with lavender or tarragon. Prep: 5 min | Serves: 1 Jump to: RECIPE | Homemade vs Commercial | Best Infusions | Italian …

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Roasted Salmon with Savory Rhubarb Ginger Sauce

Quick Summary: Salmon filets roasted with a tangy rhubarb compote made with ginger, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for company. Prep: 30 min | Cook: 10 min | Serves: 4 Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Directions (Step by Step) | More Rhubarb Recipes | FAQ This tart ginger …

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Strawberry Rhubarb Cornmeal Sheet Cake (Oil-Based)

Quick Summary: An easy sheet cake with cornmeal for texture, made with olive oil instead of butter for a moist crumb. Topped with macerated strawberries and rhubarb. Perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. Includes tips on cornmeal types and substituting oil for butter in baking. Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Serves: 24 …

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Blueberry Yogurt Breakfast Popsicles (Healthy Grab-and-Go)

Quick Summary: Healthy frozen popsicles made with blueberries, Greek yogurt, honey, and granola. A grab-and-go breakfast for hot summer mornings or a nutritious afternoon snack. No artificial flavors or added sugar beyond a touch of honey. Prep: 10 min | Freeze: 4 hours | Makes: 10 popsicles Jump to: RECIPE | Making Popsicles Healthy | …

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How to Preserve Blueberries: 8 Methods from a Blueberry Farmer

Quick Summary: A blueberry farmer’s guide to preserving your harvest before it goes bad. Covers freezing, canning, dehydrating, making jam, drink syrups, hot sauce, rumtopf, and freezing muffins. Plus a refreshing blueberry mojito recipe. Prep varies by method. Jump to: RECIPE (Mojito) | Jam | Rumtopf | Canning | Freezing | Dehydrating | BBQ Sauce …

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English Summer Pudding with Blueberries and Red Currants

Quick Summary: A classic British dessert made with fresh summer berries pressed into a bread mold overnight. Looks elegant but is surprisingly easy. Uses blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and red currants (or any combination of seasonal berries). No baking required. Prep: 30 min | Chill: 8 hours | Serves: 8 Jump to: RECIPE | What is …

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Blueberry Muffins with Lime and Ginger (Fresh or Frozen Berries)

Quick Summary: Tender blueberry muffins with a refreshing zing from fresh lime zest and crystallized ginger. Works beautifully with fresh or frozen blueberries. Optional streusel or sour cream topping included. Prep: 20 min | Cook: 25 min | Makes: 12 muffins Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Step-by-Step Directions | Optional Streusel Topping | Sour …

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Blueberry Poke Cake with Fresh Berry Sauce and Whipped Cream

Quick Summary: An updated take on the classic poke cake using boxed cake mix, fresh blueberry-blackberry sauce (no Jell-O), and homemade whipped cream. Gorgeous for summer potlucks and easy to make ahead. Prep: 30 min | Cook: 35 min | Serves: 16 Jump to: RECIPE | What is a poke cake? | How to Make …

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Slow Carb Blueberry Protein Smoothie

Quick Summary: A high-protein, low-carb breakfast smoothie with blueberries, spinach, coconut milk, and whey protein. Blueberries have enough fiber to offset their carbs, making them one of the few fruits that work on slow carb diets. Keeps energy levels steady until your next meal. Includes substitution ideas and tips on what to avoid in low-carb …

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Low-Carb Blueberry Crumble with Almond Flour Topping

Quick Summary: Fresh blueberries topped with a crunchy almond flour and pecan crumble. Includes tips for keeping the topping crisp and a guide to the difference between crumbles, crisps, cobblers, and buckles. Freezer-friendly topping for quick summer desserts. Prep: 30 min | Cook: 25 min | Serves: 8 Jump to: RECIPE | Crumbles vs Crisps …

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Blueberry Vodka Lemonade (With Homemade Infused Vodka)

Quick Summary: A refreshing summer cocktail made with homemade blueberry-infused vodka and fresh lemonade. Includes step-by-step instructions for infusing your own vodka, plus ideas for other blueberry cocktails. The infused vodka also makes a great gift. Prep: 10 min | Infusion time: 2 weeks | Serves: 2 Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Method for …

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