Fresh Berry Recipes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

23 Jun 2009 07:39 AM

Strawberry picking season started on Saturday (at least at our local farm). So, tomorrow my preschooler and I will head out to the fields and pluck 10 pounds of fresh, juicy strawberries. I have big plans for those luscious red berries, including using them in the following simple recipes:

FRESH STRAWBERRY TARTS

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh strawberries

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 cup orange juice

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons honey

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Powdered sugar

Directions:

Place berries in a small bowl, sprinkle with sugar, and toss gently with juice. Allow to macerate at room temperature for at least one hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut pastry sheet into nine 3x3-inch squares.

Bake squares on parchment-lined cookie sheet until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

Cool and separate each pastry square to create a bottom and lid for each puff.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine cream cheese and honey; set aside.

Whip cream until soft peaks form; fold cream cheese mixture into whipped cream.

To assemble: Place bottom of each pastry on individual plates, top with a dollop of cream cheese mixture, then add puff pastry lid, and spoon berries over the top.

Dust with powdered sugar, and serve immediately.

FRESH STRAWBERRY SALAD

Ingredients for Dressing:

1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 to 3/4 cup canola oil

Ingredients for Salad:

Fresh spring mix lettuce

Fresh baby spinach

Sliced strawberries

Toasted sliced almonds

Crumbled feta cheese

Thinly sliced red onion

Cooked grilled chicken (optional)

Directions:

To make dressing, puree strawberries with vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Then drizzle in oil. Blend until creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings. Set aside.

Toss some of the dressing with desired amount of spinach and spring mix lettuce. Top with strawberries, nuts, cheese, and onion.

Note: You can add grilled chicken to salad to make it into a meal.

Related Articles:

Kids in the Kitchen: Sweet and Simple Strawberry Treats

Fruit for Dinner

Summer Fruit Parfaits

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Samual (11722) 23 Jun 2009 08:13 AM

Our strawberries came through nearly two months ago now, there are a few plants left that are producing some fruit, but it is at the end of the season now.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 24 Jun 2009 08:00 AM

Our season just started (we live in the Upper Midwest), but it will only last until the end of the month. I like picking our own as it cost less than $1 a pound.