Hopefully, where you live, strawberry season is also in full swing! Here in NC, I get the privilege of living a 4-minute drive away from a local farm that grows wonderful strawberries that you can get in a small carton or a large bucket (see the post picture above). You can also pick them yourself in the fields, but that gives me hives, so I just opt for the pre-picked.
Anyway, I feel like since the farm was closed for COVID last year, I’m really making this strawberry season count and using them in everything. And I want you to do so, too.
So here are my top recommendations for what to do with your strawberries. Although, you can’t go wrong however you’re eating them!
Macerated strawberries
This is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a strawberry, other than just popping it in your mouth. Get out a bowl or a small container and slice your strawberries long-wise into a few slices each, sprinkle on 1/4-1 tsp. of sugar, shake or stir them around to distribute the sugar, and let them sit in the fridge for however much time you have (15 minutes to a few hours). These taste wonderful as a vanilla ice cream topping or just as is or with yogurt!
Strawberry scones
Strawberries are just wonderful in a light, flavorful scone! And y’all know how much I love a good scone. I’m still making these Strawberry White Chocolate Scones I started making last year. Yum!
Strawberry galette
I’ve decided that this is the summer of the galette (even though I’ve made only made one so far, I’m just getting started). They are so much easier than pie and you get more crust to fruit ratio. I used this recipe (minus the almond extract) with strawberries instead of blackberries, and it turned out great.
Strawberry rhubarb crumble
It’s not so easy getting your hands on rhubarb, but if I ever run across it, I just must make this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble. It is truly one of my favorite spring/summer flavor combos with the tart earthiness from the rhubarb and the floral sweetness of the strawberry.
Strawberry shortcake
I haven’t made these yet this season, but I’m dreaming about it. If you have a nice basic cream scone recipe, then you can make some amazing strawberry shortcakes with macerated berries and freshly whipped cream.
Sangria or strawberry bourbon smash
Other than just throwing sliced strawberries in water (yes, I’ve done this and it tastes like you’re at the spa), they’re quite tasty in cocktails, too. Sangria is one of my personal summer faves, and this Strawberry Bourbon Smash is also a great use for their sweetness.
Strawberry salad
I can’t even count the number of salads I’ve put strawberries on so far this year. It has been one of my go-to flavors with others like grapes, feta and grilled chicken.
Enjoy these wonderful red berries while they last, everyone!