(Recipe) A Trip Down Memory Lane: Rote Grütze - A Sweet Summer Nostalgia

Ingredients:

• 500 g (about 4-5 cups) mixed red berries , raspberries, strawberries, red currants, sour cherries (or regular); can also add a few blueberries, blackberries, and/or black currants; if using frozen berries you may need a little extra cornstarch for thickening

• 250 ml red fruit juice (e.g. cherry juice)

• 60 g granulated sugar (less if you prefer it more tart, more if you prefer it sweeter)

• 10 g cornstarch (or more depending on desired thickness; can start with less and add more if you prefer it thicker)

Instructions:

1. Put 4 tablespoons of the red fruit juice in a small bowl or cup and dissolve the cornstarch in it. Set aside.

2. Place the remaining juice in a saucepan along with the berries, sugar and vanilla pulp or vanilla extract. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly, and simmer for another 1-2 minutes or until the fruit is softened. Be careful not to overcook the berries, you don't want berry puree. Let the mixture cool. It will continue to thicken a little as it cools.

3. Serve warm or cold with our homemade vanilla custard, heavy cream, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. Store in a covered container in the fridge where it will keep for 3-4 days.

---

Hey, lovely readers! Today, I want to take you on a heartwarming journey to my childhood summers, where hot days were accompanied by a cool and delightful treat - Rote Grütze! 🍧

As soon as the temperature rose and the sun shone brightly, my family knew it was time to bring out the bowls of this scrumptious berry compote. It was a cherished tradition, and the taste of those sweet and tangy red berries lingers in my memory to this day.

During those lazy summer days, when the heat was at its peak, we'd gather around the table, eager to indulge in the refreshing goodness of Rote Grütze. Sometimes, we would enjoy it all by itself, savoring the natural flavors of the mixed berries. Other times, we'd pour a splash of cold milk or a drizzle of velvety vanilla sauce over it for an extra creamy touch.

The vibrant colors and burst of fruity goodness made every spoonful an absolute delight.

Living in Korea made it impossible for me to simply buy it in the supermarket. At first it was a bit frustrating, knowing I would have to make it from scratch by myself. But as I stirred the bubbling pot of berries, I couldn't help but be transported back to my childhood summers. Making Rote Grütze from scratch wasn't just about satisfying a craving; it was an comforting journey that brought me closer to my roots and my own culture.

Being in another country, you sometimes dont even realize what you are missing. And so, making food from scratch that you normally buy in the store is like a heartwarming connection to my homeland, a way of keeping my heritage alive, even thousands of miles away from the place I call home.

Whether you're looking to reminisce about your own sweet summertime memories or creating new traditions with your loved ones, I invite you to savor the magic of Rote Grütze. Whip up a batch, embrace the taste of summer, and cherish the moments spent together with those who matter most.

How about you? Do you have any beloved childhood treats that bring back fond memories? Share your stories below; I'd love to hear about your sweet nostalgic experiences!