Battling Senior Moments with Berries by Cleo Coyle

Cleo Coyle has a partner in

"culinary" crime-writing—
her husband.

Learn about their books

by clicking here and here.

Fresh summer berries are brain food? That's right, especially for older women. 

To learn more, read my full post by scrolling down or hitting the "read more" link here or below...

My Senior Moment

(A Play in One Act)

Cleo walks into room. Stops. Stares.

Cleo: "Why did I come in here?"

Husband: (Glances up from computer screen.) "You're asking me?"

Cleo: "I can't remember."

Husband: "Animal, vegetable, or mineral?"

Cleo: "I think I wanted to tell you something?"

Husband: "Are you asking me or telling me?"

Cleo: "I wanted to tell you something. I can't remember."

Husband: "Time to eat some berries."

Cleo: "That's what it was! My idea for today's post!" 

And here it is: The Annals of Neurology published the results of a major medical study that suggested blueberries and strawberries might protect brain function in woman, including memory. 

The story was very big health news. Investigators found that women who had the highest intake of blueberries (more than 1/2 cup a week) and strawberries (more than 1 cup a week), delayed mental aging by as much as 2.5 years.

To quote Dr. Robert Graham, an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York: "I would advise all my patients, at any age, to eat more berries. Berries are an easy, nutritious and delicious way preserve brain function."

To read more about
this study, click here.

Of course, fresh berries can be expensive out of season, but frozen berries can be eaten year round, and they carry the same benefits. You can also freeze fresh berries yourself. The process is very easy...

HOW TO FREEZE BERRIES: Wash them, dry them, place them on a baking sheet and slide the pan in the freezer for three hours or so. Once the berries are frozen, take the pan out and pour the berries into a freezer-safe plastic bag. (I like to double bag for extra insurance against freezer burn.) Then return them to the freezer.

Cleo: "Marc, what was this post about again?"

Husband: "You're kidding, right? Look at the photo!"

Cleo: "Woops. Time to eat another bowl of..."

A few more tips...

HOW TO SHOP FOR STRAWBERRIES: When shopping for strawberries, choose berries that are bright red in color. Look for firm berries with fresh, green tops. Pass by any containers that have berries that are molding or mottled with dark patches. If the berries are staining the container, they are past their prime.

HOW TO STORE STRAWBERRIES: Strawberries will not keep long, so try to purchase them a day or two before you intend to eat or cook with them. Because strawberries retain water, do not wash them until you are ready to use them. To keep the berries fresh for as long as possible, I store them in the refrigerator in a single layer on a paper towel within a moisture-proof container. They keep well for several days this way.

And so...

This post is not so much a recipe
as a simple reminder that a breakfast, dessert,
or snack can be as easy and delicious
as a bowl of berries. May you...

Eat and Drink

with Joy!

~ Cleo Coyle

New York Times bestselling author of

The Coffeehouse Mysteries

Yes, this is me, Cleo (aka Alice). 

Friend me on facebook here.

Follow me on twitter here. 

Visit my online coffeehouse here.

To view the
Coffeehouse Mystery
book trailer, click here.

 

The Coffeehouse Mysteries are bestselling

works of amateur sleuth fiction set in a landmark

Greenwich Village coffeehouse, and each of the

14 titles includes the added bonus of recipes. 

GET A FREE
TITLE CHECKLIST
(with mini plot summaries)
by clicking here.

* * * 

The hardcover bestseller
is now in paperback!

Billionaire Blend: 

A Coffeehouse Mystery 

*Starred Review* -Kirkus

"Top Pick"  -RT Book Reviews

"...a highly satisfying mystery."
-Publishers Weekly

Easy, delicious recipes are featured in Cleo's

latest culinary mystery, Billionaire Blend, including...

* Baileys Irish Cream Frosting (and Fudge)
* French Apple Cake Squares
* "Italian" Beignets (Yes, you read that right!)
* Coffeehouse Billionaire Bars
* Perfect Pumpkin Muffins
* Clare's Skillet Lasagna for Mike

and over 30 more recipes, including
secret "off-the-menu" coffeehouse drinks...

See the book's
Recipe Guide
by clicking here.

* * * 

Haunted Bookshop
Free Title Checklist, 

click here.

The Ghost and
Mrs. McClure

Book #1 of The Haunted
Bookshop Mysteries, 
To learn more, click here.

* * *

Comments and

Questions!

To leave a comment or 

question for Cleo, click here

and visit the

Coffee Talk Message Board 

at her online coffeehouse.

* * *

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