SONOMA, CA – Sparkling wine isn't just for toasting the New Year, it’s also the perfect pairing with fresh blueberries from Chile in this elegantly surprising new recipe Fresh Blueberry and Pear Champagne Aperitif. This sweet and tangy cold beverage is the perfect starter to ring in 2013, a sophisticated and colorful complement to the year-end celebratory repast.
Not only does this aperitif add a dose of festiveness to a holiday table, it packs a powerful nutritional punch as well. Because fresh blueberries from Chile are a superfood, full of antioxidants and other important nutrients that help prevent disease and provide a healthful start to the new year.
Chile’s harvest of fresh, ripe blueberries is in full swing during the North American winter. Ample supplies of fresh blueberries from Chile are in supermarkets nationwide.
Resolve today to make fresh blueberries from Chile a centerpiece of the New Year’s celebration meal, and enjoy them all winter long.
More recipes for fresh blueberries from Chile are available at http://www.fruitsfromchile.com. To learn more about the Chilean Blueberry Committee, an organization linked to the Chilean Fresh Fruit Exporters Association, visit http://www.chileanblueberrycommittee.com.
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RECIPE: Chilean Fresh Blueberry and Pear Champagne Aperitif
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup fresh Chilean blueberries, washed
2 medium Chilean Bartlett pears, washed, peeled and chopped
2 cups water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup of Champagne*
Whip cream (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place first six ingredients in a pot and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes. Puree and strain. Chill.
When ready to serve, stir in 1/2 cup of Champagne into cold fruit mixture and serve in cordial glasses. Optional: Garnish each glass with a dollop of whip cream and fresh Chilean blueberry.
*Substitute sparkling fruit juice to make this non-alcoholic.
SERVES: 6-8 cordial glasses
NUTRIENTS PER SERVING: 107 calories, 1/2 gm protein, 2 gms fiber
Recipe from the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association
Source: Chilean Fresh Fruit Association
