Superb Strawberries

Strawberries are loved the world over. On a trip to France, I happened upon some wild strawberries while strolling in a small southwestern village called Mortagne-sur-Gironde. I have never eaten anything as luscious and sweet! We ate them on the spot and also served them in a green salad for dinner, much like this Spinach and Strawberry Salad opens in a new tab. Yum!Strawberries are at their peak in the spring, particularly in May and June. Be sure to purchase firm red berries with no soft or mushy spots. Store in the refrigerator, but keep them dry. Don’t wash until ready to eat, and if possible, for fragrance and greater flavor, serve at room temperature.

Strawberries are wonderful in fruit salads, cereals, and smoothies, but that’s just the beginning. They add charm, flavor and good nutrition to everything from breakfast to main dishes, salads and desserts. Try these sensational ideas:

Breakfast, Beverages and Smoothies

• Strawberry Lassi opens in a new tab

• Double Chocolate Pancakes with Strawberries on Top opens in a new tab

• Pineapple Breakfast Sandwich with Strawberries opens in a new tab

• Strawberry Milk Shake with Caramel Swirl opens in a new tab

• Strawberry Watermelon Coolers opens in a new tab

• Lambrusco Coolers opens in a new tab

• Add to muffins or serve over pancakes, waffles or this Almond French Toast opens in a new tab.

• Add to fruit salad, top with granola, nuts or seeds, yogurt or unsweetened coconut flakes.

• Serve with hot or cold cereals.

Sandwiches, Salads and Main Dishes

• Cucumber Sandwiches with Strawberries and Watercress opens in a new tab

• Spring Salad with Strawberries and Creamy Orange-Avocado Dressing opens in a new tab

• Make fruit salsa and serve over your choice of protein, like this Baked Salmon with Spinach and Strawberry Salsa opens in a new tab.

• Add to leafy green and whole grain salad. Try strawberries added to Lemon Couscous Salad opens in a new tab or tabouli, like this Tuna Tabouli opens in a new tab.

• Make a sandwich of cream cheese and strawberries. For variety and good nutrition, add some baby spinach or kale leaves.

• Serve pork chops with a side of mixed strawberries and pineapple.

• Make a salad with corn, strawberries, red onion and celery. Toss with lightly sweet vinaigrette.

Desserts

• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries opens in a new tab

• Red Wine Strawberries and Cream

• Organic Strawberries and Cream Cookies opens in a new tab

• Strawberries and Ice Cream with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction opens in a new tab

• Sweet Strawberry Risotto opens in a new tab

• Traditional Strawberry Shortcake opens in a new tab

• Berry Dessert Soup opens in a new tab

• Strawberry Shortcakes with Maple Syrup and Frozen Yogurt opens in a new tab

• Make Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream opens in a new tab or simply add to ice cream, non-dairy frozen dessert, or Coconut Milk Ice Cream opens in a new tab.

• Serve strawberries topped with granola, whipped cream, non-dairy whipped topping, or favorite frozen dairy or non-dairy “ice cream”, or make this Simple Berry Crisp opens in a new tab.

• Make this gorgeous Strawberry Cake opens in a new tab for your family or dinner guests.

• Grilled Bananas with Sweet Toppings opens in a new tab

• Frozen Fruit Kabobs opens in a new tab

• Use strawberries as “dippers” for chocolate sauce, sweetened whipped cream cheese, or Cream Cheese and Cashew Dip opens in a new tab.

• Berry and Pudding Parfaits opens in a new tab

• Several Sins Chocolate Cake with Red Wine and Berries opens in a new tab

• Make Strawberry Rhubarb Topping opens in a new tab for cakes, pound cake, quick breads, cheesecake or ice cream.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy strawberries? I’d love to know.