Here are some quick options for using fresh berries:
Quick Strawberry Shortcake – Buy the formed shortcake cakes at the grocery store. Put one half cup of sugar to one cup of berries in the refrigerator overnight. The berries will begin to break down and make syrup. Pour over shortcake right before serving and put a dab of whipped cream on top.
Strawberries and Ice Cream – Cut strawberries and sprinkle sugar over berries. Place in refrigerator for an hour or two. Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream.
Strawberry/Spinach Salad – Wash and break up one pound of spinach. Add one pint of fresh strawberries (cut in bite sized pieces). Pour ¾ cup of poppy seed dressing over salad. Toss and serve.
Quick Strawberry Pie – Brown one deep dish pie crust. Fill with strawberries cut up in small chunks. Boil one cup sugar, one cup water and 3 T. corn starch until the consistency of thin pudding. Pour over berries in pie crust. Serve warm or chill and eat later.
Strawberry Dip – In a blender, put 3 oz. cream cheese, 8 oz. plain yogurt, 2 T. sugar and ½ cup fresh strawberries. Blend until smooth. Dip large fresh strawberries (or other fruits) in the fluffy mixture.
Strawberry Face Mask – Crush one cup of strawberries. Lightly spread on face. Leave for 5 minutes. Wash face. The fruit acids and vitamin C will give skin a healthy glow.
To extend the strawberry treat season, try the following recipes:
Frozen strawberries – Rinse and dry berries. Place berries on a cookie sheet and put in freezer until frozen (about an hour). Bag the berries and use later over cereal or ice cream or in recipes. Strawberries will keep about 10 months when frozen.
Strawberry Jam – Cover 2 cups of strawberry pieces with 1 ½ cups sugar. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Add 2 tsp. pectin (Sure-Jell) and stir. Microwave in large bowl for 4 minutes on high and 6 minutes on medium. Pour in clean jars. Store in refrigerator.
Strawberries are one of the most popular (non)berries on the market. They are tasty and healthful (containing more vitamin C than citrus fruits). Strawberries can be grown in almost any climate though tend to prefer cool weather. If you have a small, well-drained space of ground, plant a small patch and enjoy your own berries fresh from the garden.