“Berserka” Blueberry
Mazurka

“Mazurka is a traditional Polish dessert made for special occasions. Delicate, buttery, strudel-like layers surround a velvety, blueberry filling for a decadent treat you won’t forget.” - Cara Ferguson of Culinary Cara

Ingredients

Blueberry Filling

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• ¼ cup blueberry flavored vodka
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Pastry

• 1 ¼ cups flour
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• 1 stick (½ cup) Tillamook Unsalted Butter
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Preparation

Combine blueberry filling ingredients in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir filling until you see it thicken and bubble, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before assembling dessert. Preheat oven to 325°F.

Mix pastry ingredients together in a large bowl until most of the butter is incorporated and creates a crumbly, strudel-like texture (make sure not to let the butter melt).  Prepare an 8x8 inch brownie pan by lining with foil or parchment paper, and grease with butter or nonstick spray. Pack half of the pastry mixture onto the bottom of the pan and spread blueberry filling over the bottom layer. Sprinkle remaining half of pastry over blueberry filling and very gently pack down, making sure not to let any filling seep to the surface. Bake for 1 hour. Allow dessert to cool before lifting out of pan, and cut into 16 bars.

Tips

Tips for stress-free home entertaining:
When I entertain, I follow one motto: “Keep it fresh and simple.” No need for the Thanksgiving-style spread, just make a few snacking options with a few fresh ingredients. This way, your guests will be able to converse and enjoy each other’s company!

Kitchen advice for other moms and dads:
Parents are always very busy, so it’s important to keep things fresh and simple. Choose a recipe that can be made in advance, and something with around a handful of ingredients.  When entertaining guests at home, serve just a few great dishes instead of assembling an entire buffet. Your wallet and your hectic schedule will thank you for it.