By Copper Williams
Strawberries. Everyone knows about those fragrant, dazzling jewels that peek up from underneath their beds of greenery. They dot the rows of landscape in our beautiful Valley year after year, and are often showcased along roadside fruit stands or still ripening on the plant itself, prepared for a plucking the moment their cheerful rosy hue takes hold. In the past, strawberries were a delicacy enjoyed by royalty alone. And yet they are now a common treat for families throughout the world.
The strawberry has had its share of limelight for generations as both a healthy snack and the ultimate dessert addition. A single cup can provide 29 percent of your daily value for Manganese, 12 percent of your Fiber, 9 percent of your Folate and 7 percent of your necessary Potassium. Yes, this little fruit packs quite a punch! Strawberries contain a plethora of flavonoids, the very thing that gives these red rubies their amazing ability to lower your risk of heart disease. Not to mention that strawberries also work wonders on whitening your teeth with those tiny little seeds! Pick up a case today and whip them up in one of your favorite recipes for a tasty and nutritional experience!
Local Flavor: Strawberry Tiramisu by Pietro’s of Lodi
Slide that spoon into a slice of Pietro’s famous Strawberry Tiramisu for layers of rich cream, moist ladyfingers and the refreshing tang of sweet strawberries!
Pietro’s Trattoria of Lodi
317 E. Kettleman Ln., Lodi
(209) 368-0613 pietroslodi.com
Strawberry Eve Strawberry Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 Cup strawberries
1 Bottle of Prosecco / Champagne
6 Sugar cubes
3 Shots elderflower cordial
3 Shots Campari
Directions:
Blend strawberries and strain any seeds out. When you are ready to serve put one sugar cube at the bottom of a champagne flute. Pour half a shot of elderflower, Campari, and strawberry blend into glass. Top each with Prosecco or champagne. Enjoy.
*Courtesy of DrinkinginAmerica.com
Homemade Strawberry Jam
Ingredients:
4 Cups strawberries
½ Cup crushed nuts
2 Tbsp chia seeds
2-3 Tbsp maple syrup
Vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine everything and blend for one minute. Store in fridge and use whenever you like. The jam can stay for several days and will keep its fresh taste.
*Courtesy of HealthyFoodStyle.com
Strawberry Lemon Zest Mousse
Ingredients:
1 Cup chopped strawberries
2 Large egg whites
1 Cup of heavy whipping cream
½ Cup sugar, divided
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1 Tsp unflavored gelatin
½ Tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
Directions:
Combine strawberries, one tablespoon of sugar, lemon zest, and salt in blender and let sit 10 minutes. Blend until smooth. Place two tablespoons of water and gelatin in a large bowl. Let stand five minutes. Place six tablespoons sugar and three tablespoons of water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer and cook four minutes. Add egg whites to gelatin mixture and whip with mixer until foamy, about one minute. Gradually add remaining one-tablespoon sugar and whip on highest speed until soft peaks. Slowly pour in hot sugar syrup, whipping to stiff peaks. Whip cream and vanilla until stiff peaks. Fold egg white mixture into whipped cream. Fold in strawberry mixture. Spoon into serving dishes and chill two hours or until set.
*Courtesy of ApronStringsBlog.com