Sand Hill Berries

Merle and Emmariah

Sand Hill Berries

There are a few weeks during late July, and early August when berries are perfect. Receiving the right amount of sun, rain, and nutrients from soil, these seasonal fruits are flavorful, and delicious. Fragrant summer berries are ideal for eating as-is, serving with fresh whipped cream (my favorite) and cooking with.

I had only been to the Famer’s Market in Mellon Square a few times. Held every Friday during the summer months, the market has a myriad of fresh produce, breads, pastries, and other ethnic foods.

Sand Hill Berries, one of the vendors at the market, was my first stop. The berries they had on display were vibrant, and looked wonderful. In addition to pints of fresh blackberries, there were black and red currants. Also on display were Sand Hill’s baked goods.   Merle, the friendly worker urged me to try the currants, “They’re tangy, and become sweet when cooked.” Emmariah, another Sandhill Berries employee, began opening boxes of their baked goods, explaining to me how fresh all of the ingredients were that are used in their preparation.  I had purchased pies from this booth before, and was very pleased with the product. My favorite is the chocolate-raspberry pie with cream cheese-whipped cream filling, topped with chocolate-butter ganache ($15.00).

Blackberries

Red Currants

Black Currants

Chocolate Raspberry Pie

Other baked goods include fresh glazed berry pies, three fruit pie, New York style cheesecake, and raspberry sour cream pie. Of special notice are the colossal, berry-filled cookies.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies

If you live in Pittsburgh, it’s worth making a trip into town to treat yourself to some of these specialty, homemade desserts- they’re impeccably fresh, and served with a smile.

Sand Hill Berries is located is located at 304 Deer Field Road, Mount Pleasant, PA, 15666