Berry Bliss

Make the most of summer with these scrumptious celebratory desserts. O Canada, you never tasted so good!

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WILD BLUEBERRY VODKA

MAKES: 31/2…“ CUPS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

STANDING TIME: 4 HOURS

REFRIGERATION TIME: 5 DAYS

INGREDIENTS 4 cups (1 L) fresh or thawed frozen wild blueberries 1/2…“ cup (75 mL) granulated sugar 1 bottle (750 mL) vodka

METHOD 1. In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar and 2 tbsp (25 mL) water. Cook over medium heat, stirring and mashing gently with spoon, until blueberries are soft and release their juices, about 8 minutes. Let cool.

2. In a large glass bowl, combine berry mixture and vodka. Let stand, loosely covered, for 4 hours. Cover and refrigerate for 5 days.

3. Strain through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a large spouted container, pressing solids to extract liquid; discard solids. Pour into clean, freezer-safe containers. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 2 months or freeze for up to 6 months.)

SASKATOON VODKA

Substitute saskatoon berries for blueberries, if you’re lucky enough to live in that neck of the woods.

SIMPLE SYRUP

Heat equal parts water and granulated sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.