For a light summer dessert (that still quenches your sweet tooth) try this easy trifle.
By Lee Murphy, MS-MPH, RD, LDN

Where to find fresh berries
Whether grown in your backyard or purchased at the local farmer’s market, berries are bursting with nutrient density and tantalizing to any taste bud!  Rich in vitamin C, healthy phytochemicals and dietary fiber, summer berries are ripe with flavor and a sumptuous addition to any recipe.

The Market Square Farmers’ Market in downtown Knoxville has summer vendors—such as Mountain Meadows Farm, Neubert Springs Garden, and Spring Creek Farm—selling a variety of blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, black raspberries and even huckleberries. As an open-air, producer-only market, the products are all grown in the East Tennessee region, with many vendors focused on natural growing practices. Open every Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (May 1 to Nov. 20), this market boasts additional vendors, like Greenbriar Nursery which sells actual blueberry plants and specializes in edible landscaping and related workshops (865.742.8708; www.EatYourYard.biz). For more information on the Market Square Farmers’ Market, contact Director Charlotte Tolley (865.405.3135; www.knoxvillemarketsquare.com).

Another local attraction for children and adults alike is The Fruit and Berry Patch, located at 4407 McCloud Road in Knoxville (865.922.3779; www.thefruitandberrypatch.com). This venue is fun for all while providing the opportunity to pick your own blackberries and blueberries, among other local summer crops. Blueberry Hill Farm is also a local “U-Pick” establishment in Norris, Tennessee with delicious selections and quality (865.494.7903; www.tnblueberries.com), allowing you to capitalize upon the long berry growing season that is enjoyed in East Tennessee. Both of these operations are regular vendors at the Market Square Farmers’ Market as well.

For more related information on local
berries, products, and vendors, please
see www.pickTNproducts.org or
www.pickyourown.org/TNeast.htm.


SUMMER BERRIES & CREAM
This light trifle may taste decadent, but one serving only has about 200 calories.

1 can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1 6-oz. carton fat-free yogurt
     (lemon or your preferred flavor)
Juice from one lemon
2 teaspoons lemon peel, grated
1 8-oz. carton fat-free whipped topping
1 angel food cake, prepared,
    cut in 1-in. cubes
1 cup fresh local strawberries, sliced
1 cup fresh local blueberries
1 cup fresh local raspberries
1 cup fresh local blackberries

DIRECTIONS
Combine milk, yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon peel.  Fold in whipped topping.  Mix berries in separate bowl.  In trifle dish, layer ½ cake, top with ½ berry-mixture, and finally yogurt mixture. Layer again.  Garnish top with lemon peel or extra berries, if desired.

Shopping for local produce doesn’t just benefit your health (fresh produce contains more nutrients), it’s also great for our economy. Plus, you’re doing the environment a favor by reducing pollutants from long transportation routes. Go Local with Lee, every month in Cityview, and help make our community a better place.