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 3×3-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.
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Kids in the Kitchen: Sweet and Simple Strawberry Treats