Blackberry grilled cheese sandwiches

As the summer stretches out into another beautiful week, the miles of invasive blackberries that lace the West Coast will see another boost in fruits dangling from their thorny hosts. While some may find an obnoxious foe in the relentless host of Washington’s most popular wild fruit, others are rejoicing in another bountiful bucket of berries from a session of blackberry yoga.

Stretching to reach the plumpest, most juicy berries can be a workout, but also result in a plethora of blackberry delicacies through the fall and winter. The three species of blackberries in Washington include the Himalayan, Evergreen, and Trailing/Wild Mountain blackberry. The only native one being the trailing variety. The Himalayan and Evergreen are noted as Class C noxious weeds on the Washington State Noxious Weed List.

Without providing focus on the nightmare of entanglements the blackberry offers the landowner; the gardener and chef may look past their faults and find much to celebrate. A true blackberry snob turns to the trailing variety to be the sweetest and juiciest, offering the best canning and baking opportunities for jam makers. The palette goes far beyond this by adding blackberries to smoothies for a quick boost of vitamin C, offering 30.2 mg in just one cup. Blackberries are also high in fiber, vitamin K, and manganese, as well as offering a great antioxidant boost. As school starts, adding a few of these “brain berries” will boost brain power as well. With only 62 calories and 1 gram of fat per serving they are a healthy addition to a low carb diet, with low sugar content.

If you are hankering for a quick, nutritious meal enjoy this tasty Blackberry Grilled Cheese and celebrate our invasive foe in a new way.

Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Softened butter, spread on bread

6-8 sourdough bread slices

½ cup sharp white cheddar, shredded

½ cup Gruyere cheese, shredded

3 TB Parmesan cheese

4 oz. Brie cheese, sliced

3 TB mayonnaise

1 TB chives, chopped

1 cup blackberries, fresh

Spread butter over one side of bread slices. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. In a small bowl combine all ingredients except blackberries. Toast one side of each slice of bread. Flip over, then add a healthy scoop of the cheese mixture and a layer of blackberries. Top with a slice of toasted bread.

Toast sandwiches five minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese has melted thoroughly. Enjoy!