Strawberries - the Jewel of Summer

Strawberries are Magnificent. They are the Jewels of Summer!

There are literally hundred’s of ways to enjoy fresh strawberries.

Today’s post are a few ways to enjoy fresh glorious strawberries quick and easy.

1) Strawberries and fresh whipped cream:

Simple to do and best enjoyed with fresh heavy cream whipped into soft peaks with a touch of vanilla extract.

2) Strawberry Jam:

Heat until boiling one pint of cleaned / sliced strawberries along with a 1/4 cup squeezed orange juice, zest of one orange, 4-6 TBL of sugar and 1/3 cup water. Remove from heat when the right texture is achieved. For a small amount it may be less than one hour.

*Quick Tip - I have never used pectin but use if you like.

Cool then store the jam in a glass jar for one week.

3) Strawberry Shortcake - anyway you wish to serve. Delicious & quick when served over store bought pound cake.

4) Strawberries & Balsamic - add 4 TBL Balsamic Vinegar to 2 pints or more of fresh strawberries and allow to rest for one hour. Fabulous when served over ice cream topped with fresh mint leaves.

5) Elegant Strawberries - perfect for company. Pour a little Grand Marnier over fresh strawberries and serve in a beautiful cocktail glass with or without a touch of fresh whipped cream.

6) Strawberry Glaze - a touch of something sweet to have on hand for cheesecake, pies or pastry.

Combine strawberries along with a bit of fresh lemon juice, sugar and water. Heat in a pot over medium high flame until strawberries are reduced. Purée if you like with a hand blender and thicken with a touch of cornstarch.

Cool.

7) Strawberry salad - mix any seasonal fresh herbed greens with sliced strawberries, goat cheese, watermelon or fresh berries.

Serve with a light balsamic glaze dressing.

8) Strawberry Mousse - In a blender add 12-14 oz of fresh cleaned strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar and blend until smooth. Take half of the purée and mix with any amount you like of homemade whipped cream.

In a decorative serving glass layer as you like with just plain whipped cream, then the strawberry mousse and finish with layers of the strawberry purée.

Decorate with sliced fresh strawberries and mint.

ENJOY!