Making the most of strawberry season

by Fayeruz Regan Jun 13, 20210 comments

There is something sublime about biting into a ripe strawberry on a hot summer's day. Some of us are going strawberry picking. Others (Ladles' Sarah and I) opted for a three-course lunch at The Broken Tulip in Carytown, where we were served this decadent dessert (pictured above).

Sarah Nicholas at The Broken Tulip

It has reignited my appreciation for strawberries. Below are some ways we can make the most of them...

A berry delicious cocktail

Father's Day is next weekend (did you see our gift guide?) and a perfect excuse to spoil him with a seasonal cocktail. Sarah Nicholas of Ladles & Linens invented a refreshing concoction involving fresh strawberries and Prosecco called Rubbing Elbows. "I created this cocktail during quarantine, when I lovingly called it 'The Fiesty Homeschooler.' Time for a name change, thank goodness!" she says.

Get the recipe, and overall summer entertaining ideas right here, where she wrote a wonderful article for Home magazine.

Strawberry pops are tops

I cannot tell you enough how useful the popsicle molds are at Ladles and Linens. They are an endless source of joy when the sun is scorching and listless kids are looking for a project. The popsicles are healthier and much more inventive than most options.

This recipe from the People's Pops cookbook calls for fresh strawberries, and is a favorite in our household.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup water
4 cups strawberries, hulled and coarsely chopped
¾ teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir a few times, until the sugar dissolves. Then set aside to cool.
Puree the strawberries in a food processor, then transfer the berries to a big bowl or measuring pitcher, then add ¾ cups of the cooled sugar mixture, vanilla, salt, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. At the end, pour in the heavy cream, but do not mix.
Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion. Insert the sticks and freeze the popsicles until they are solid, 4-5 hours.

Keep it simple

Strawberries can also compliment a regular meal. The sweet acidity is perfect for salads. Try adding chopped strawberies into a salad with goat cheese, walnuts and a balsamc viniagrette. It will taste like summer!

chocolate dipped strawberries