They sell gigantic and often tasteless strawberries all year round at the supermarket, but when the local farmers start wheeling and dealing these heavenly berries, I go insane. Often over $4 per pint, local strawberries seem pricey, but they are so worth it because they taste like they have been ripened in the sun not like they have been sitting in the refrigerator section of the produce isle. There are so many things you can do with these little treasures.
I have been on a jam rampage. Straight out of the 1970 Blue Ball Book of Canning, I make the trusted and true strawberry jam recipe, but I half the amount of strawberries and 1/4 the amount of sugar and it comes out great.
Strawberry Jam
2 Quarts Crushed Strawberries
3-6 C. Sugar
1/4 C. Lemon Juice (optional)
Slowly bring ingredients to a boil then fast boil it, stirring often, for 40 minutes until it passes the jam test. Hot water boil for 10-15 minutes in sterilized ball jars.
If you’re unsure about anything, don’t risk it, check out the National Center for Home Food Preservation or Ball’s Fresh Preserving.
Strawberry salad is really easy and refreshing. Mix some arugula or watercress, with crushed hazelnuts, grated cheese, lemon zest, olive oil and vinegar. Top with strawberries. Easy!
Many cocktail bars feature seasonal cocktails. The Muddled Strawberry Daiquiri from Dutch Kills over in Long Island City is one of my favorite cocktails ever! If you make a daiquiri at home don’t make a gross frozen one from a mix, use the classic ingredients: rum, sugar & lime juice, plus muddled strawberries.
Art of Drink: Classic Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe
Here are some other recipes using Strawberries:
A Greenpoint Kitchen: Rhubard & Strawberry TartÂ
theKitchn: No Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake
Brooklyn Supper: Strawberry Lime Cake
Jello Mold Mistress: Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Fresh From Brooklyn: Sweet Strawberry Vinaigrette Over Spicy Greens
Tes at Home: Strawberry Pickle
Food Vibe: Strawberry Avocado Salsa
Joy The Baker: Strawberry Coffee Cake
Taste For Adventure: Strawberry Kale Smoothie