Can I Use Frozen Blueberries for a Stars and Stripes Berry Trifle?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the use of frozen blueberries in a Stars and Stripes Berry Trifle recipe, with participants sharing their experiences and thoughts on ingredient choices, particularly regarding fresh versus frozen fruits.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions the high cost of fresh blueberries and questions whether frozen ones would work.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using frozen blueberries, stating they prefer them for the extra juice they provide in the trifle.
  • Several users note that while frozen blueberries can be used, fresh strawberries are recommended for presentation.
  • One participant suggests using a few fresh blueberries for decoration while using frozen ones for the filling to save costs.
  • Another participant discusses their method of preparing multiple recipes at shows, including a trifle, and how they manage ingredient costs.
  • A participant expresses concern about the consistency of a dessert when using frozen strawberries in syrup versus those with sugar.
  • Some participants confirm that frozen strawberries in sugar can work well, as the sugar creates a simple syrup.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the use of frozen versus fresh ingredients, with some participants advocating for frozen blueberries while others emphasize the importance of fresh strawberries for aesthetics. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach to ingredient selection.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to ingredient costs and preparation methods for cooking shows, reflecting a variety of approaches to making the trifle.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on ingredient choices and preparation strategies for desserts at cooking shows may find this discussion relevant.

Jenni
Messages
780
Three cups of blueberries~ I went to three store and it would cost $9 just for the blueberries. Would frozen ones work?
I am making it tonight with 2 cups cuz I'm cheap...LOL But was wondering about frozen berries, anyone tried it?
 
I haven't tried it yet with frozen. I"m making it at a show tonight for the first time. Interactive show so if there's a problem its someone else's fault! ha ha ha Just kidding.

But to be honest, this recipe still can stay in that $15 range that PC 'rewards" cooking show hosts with. If you buy the ingredients, are you asking the host to give you a check?? I just started doing that and so far so good!! :-)

Good luck!
 
jbdowd0798 said:
I haven't tried it yet with frozen. I"m making it at a show tonight for the first time. Interactive show so if there's a problem its someone else's fault! ha ha ha Just kidding.

But to be honest, this recipe still can stay in that $15 range that PC 'rewards" cooking show hosts with. If you buy the ingredients, are you asking the host to give you a check?? I just started doing that and so far so good!! :-)

Good luck!


Why would you ask the host to give you a check? My hosts purchase the ingredients and then the $15 is reimbursement for the ingredients as a thank you!
 
Jenni said:
Three cups of blueberries~ I went to three store and it would cost $9 just for the blueberries. Would frozen ones work?
I am making it tonight with 2 cups cuz I'm cheap...LOL But was wondering about frozen berries, anyone tried it?
Frozen blueberries work great - in fact, I prefer them, because they give a little more juice to the trifle. Make sure and use fresh strawberries though - frozen ones just aren't pretty.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
I do things a little different from most people... I do two recipes at each show. I do it in under 45 minute too. ;)
I have the host buy the stuff to make the BBQ pork lion Salad. I buy the stuff to make dessert usually cost around $7. ( I guess thats why I cringed at the blueberries) Some would say why on Earth would you do that... the answer is I can sell the heck out of some Bakers. I love it and it shows I sell at least two a party!
I make the salad set up before show- lettuce, onions, corn,slaw, and I add black beans. Once the show gets started it only takes 5 minutes to talk about why I love the baker while trimming the fat, coating with oil & bbq rub. Then it cooks for 10 minutes and rests for ten more. Which leaves 20 minutes to do I great trifle style dessert ( I sell tons of those too!) I do the trifle interactive.
I hope that makes since!!! It works for me :chef:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
ChefBeckyD said:
Frozen blueberries work great - in fact, I prefer them, because they give a little more juice to the trifle. Make sure and use fresh strawberries though - frozen ones just aren't pretty.


Thanks I will try it at my next show!!
 
I would get a few of the fresh ones so you can make the pretty top. However, with the "inside" of the trifle, frozen should work.
 
One tip I have actually given at my show is that if the blueberries are particularly expensive at a certain time of year, then buy one package and dot them around the outside of the bowl to add color to the red, white and blue trifle. I tease that no one really will know that the inside isn't packed full of them. This keeps the cost down, while having the patriotic effect. I've been using a variation of this recipe for a year.
 
Cindy,

Congrats on TPC, you rock. I'm on Carol's team. Way to Go...
Deb Z
 
anyone ever use the bundt pan in the microwave to make the angel food cake for this recipe?
 
natural said:
anyone ever use the bundt pan in the microwave to make the angel food cake for this recipe?

I would strongly discourage this! You will have a major mess on your hands if you attempt it!:eek:
 
If you look in CC there is a tip sheet for the new trifle and it says you can use frozen blueberries. Buy the loose frozen berries, not the ones in the sauce or juice it says.
 
I have been to two stores and I can't find the frozen strawberries in syrup. All they have is with sugar. Does anyone know if that will still work? Or do I need to add some corn syrup? I don't want to mess up the consistency of the dessert and I wanted to make it for Memorial Day.

I had the same problem for Cinco de Mayo when I tried to make the Strawberry Margarita Squares and they turned out runny. I don't know if that is because I didn't have the syrup, or didn't dissolve the jello enough, but either way I am now worried about screwing it up!

I'd appreciate any input you all have. Or if anyone knows where to buy them in Chicagoland that would be great!
 
frozen stawberries in sugar will work, the sugar makes a simple syrup.
 
chefdiana2007 said:
frozen stawberries in sugar will work, the sugar makes a simple syrup.
That's what I use
 
Thanks Ladies!

I guess I'll go back to the store and get some! I hope this makes a good dessert after all this work...
 
Val, they have them at Jewel in the frozen section by the Cool Whip. Usually on the top shelf in a smallish square/rectangular container.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh blueberries for a Stars and Stripes Berry Trifle?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries for a Stars and Stripes Berry Trifle. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before layering them in the trifle to avoid making the dessert too soggy.

Will using frozen blueberries affect the taste of the trifle?

Using frozen blueberries may slightly alter the texture, as they can be softer than fresh ones. However, the taste will still be delicious, and the flavor of the blueberries will still shine through in the trifle.

Do I need to adjust the recipe if I use frozen blueberries?

You generally do not need to adjust the recipe significantly when using frozen blueberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained properly. You might want to consider reducing any added sugar slightly, as frozen fruit can sometimes be sweeter.

Can I use frozen blueberries directly from the freezer?

It is not recommended to use frozen blueberries directly from the freezer, as they can release excess moisture when thawed. Always thaw and drain them first to maintain the desired consistency of your trifle.

How should I store leftover trifle if I used frozen blueberries?

If you have leftover trifle, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The trifle should be consumed within a few days for the best flavor and texture, regardless of whether you used fresh or frozen blueberries.

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