Berrylicious Scarf & Recipe

A  cancer researcher at The Ohio State University (one of the largest universities in the US), not far from my home, recently released the results of his latest study indicating that common berries, such as raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, grown in many parts of the world, are as equally effective in preventing various cancers as 'exotic' berries such as goji, noni and acai berries.  And since July is a peak season for many healthy berries and fruits I thought this would be a good time to feature them with a berry-themed knitting project and recipe.  

First the knitting!  I made this scarf last spring with some Mirasol Chirapa yarn kindly gifted to me by a fellow Ravelry member.  The rich blue, purple and red colors remind me of ripe berries.

The project is based on a traditional shawl style that is knit from side to side and was kindly posted as a beautiful free pattern called Lacy Baktus by a knitter named Terhi Montonen.  Terhi modeled her scarf on another free, all garter stitch, version named Baktus, posted by another knitter. These are lovely, simple patterns just the way they are, but they also make great blank canvases for adding your own personal touches.

My scarf/ shawlette used the basic Lacy Baktus outline with the addition of a very easy eyelet edge that is knit on as you go, so no seaming up at the end. 

One great thing about this style of shawl or scarf is it allows you to knit up just as much yarn as you have. I recommend weighing your yarn and dividing it in half, then stop when you still have a small amount left in the first batch to account for slight differences in gauge.  It's a good idea to weigh even new, full balls as it often astounds me how different the actual yarn quantity is from that stated on the label.  

I wanted the fabric of my shawlette to drape more than the tightly spun yarn might allow with a standard needle size for this weight, so I swatched with several larger needle sizes and settled on size #8 US. 

To make a slightly larger shawlette than a typical scarf, I knit until the main Baktus section measured 60 stitches, then began my decreases. In order to tidy up the top edge and prevent the garter stitches from stretching out of shape over time, I worked single crochet along the top to stabilize it. 

Now for the recipe...
To enjoy the healthful benefits of fresh berries, you need only wash them well and eat.  But if you are in the mood to celebrate summer, you might try this delicious and beautiful beverage, with or without the optional alcohol.  You can go the traditional route and use coarse sea salt for the rim, or substitute sugar for a sweeter taste.  It's wonderfully refreshing on a hot day served with Mexican enchiladas or grilled salmon.  Cheers!

BERRYLICIOUS FROZEN MARGARITA

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Coarse sea salt

3/4 cups/ 6 ounces tequila, or substitute 3/4 cup sparkling water or lemon-lime soda if not including alcohol 

1/2 cup lime juice

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar to taste, or sugar substitute equivalent (I use stevia powder)

3 cups ice cubes

2 cups mixed berries (see suggestions in post above), frozen

Directions:
Wet the rim of sturdy glasses and roll in salt.  Place in freezer for at least 15 minutes.  

Prepare the mix by stirring together the tequila, juices and sugar.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  

When you are ready to serve the beverage, place mix, ice and frozen berries in a blender, blend on high speed until smooth, pour into chilled glasses and serve.