Blackberries

The dark blue color of blackberries ensures they have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all fruits. Antioxidants, well-known for lowering the risk of a number of cancers, are a huge bonus, but be aware the berries are best consumed in their natural state to get the full benefits. Consumption of blackberries can also help to promote the healthy tightening of tissue, which is a great non-surgical procedure to make skin look younger. Prolonged consumption also helps keeps your brain alert, thereby maintaining clarity of thought and good memory. Much like spinach, raisins, apples, plums and grapes, blackberries are rich in bioflavonoids and Vitamin C, but other nutritional benefits include a very low sodium count and having only 62 calories per cup. The blackberry is small in size but large in nutritional facts!

Blackberry-Lemon Squares

Ingredients

CRUST:
1/2 cup almonds or another nut of choice
1 tablespoon coconut sugar/regular sugar
pinch of salt
2 tablespoon melted butter
2-4 tablespoons cold water (start with LESS, add more if needed)

FILLING:
4 eggs
1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup
1/2 - 2/3 cup lemon juice (2-3 lemons, depending on how tart you like it)
3 tablespoons flour
1.5 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
*1/4 cup regular all-purpose flour

Additional Information

Ingredients

CRUST:
1/2 cup almonds or another nut of choice
1 tablespoon coconut sugar/regular sugar
pinch of salt
2 tablespoon melted butter
2-4 tablespoons cold water (start with LESS, add more if needed)

FILLING:
4 eggs
1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup
1/2 - 2/3 cup lemon juice (2-3 lemons, depending on how tart you like it)
3 tablespoons flour
1.5 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
*1/4 cup regular all-purpose flour

Directions

CRUST:

Preheat oven to 350F. To make the crust, combine oats, almonds, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add oil and then add water one tablespoon at a time, blend just until mixture comes together. It should easily press together, but not be overly wet. Sometimes it may only take 2-3 tablespoons, so it's important not to add all of the water at once.
Press mixture into the bottom of a parchment paper lined or well greased 8x8-inch pan. Bake in the 350F oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool while you make the lemon filling.

LEMON FILLING:

In a blender or processor, add eggs, honey/maple syrup, lemon juice, coconut flour, lemon peel, and salt. Blend until smooth. Carefully pour mixture over the oat crust and sprinkle blackberries evenly over the filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden brown and the filling in the middle has set. Remove and let cool before placing in the refrigerator. Refrigerate for several hours before serving. Cut into squares and serve chilled. Store remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.