Berry Sweet

In light of recent events, I decided that a little bonding time was in order, so off to the local strawberry patch L & I go, as we have most Sundays for the month. While it does require a bit of time and effort, the payout is well worth it (in my opinion nothing quite compares to the flavor of a sweet, sun-ripened berry). Since this is something I look forward to every year, I have been so very excited to share this experience with her.

After all that picking, I'm always left with the dilemma of what to do with all that fruit before it goes bad (which happens quickly!). I do freeze at least half using the following method:

1) Wash gently & remove tops (quarter them if so desired).

2) Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

3) Freeze until firm.

4) Once firm, I measure them by 2 cup quantities into freezer bags and store for later use.

The frozen berries are great for use in the off-season or for recipes such as Very Berry Smoothies (recipe to follow). Besides eating the remaining fresh berries as is or in classic Strawberry Shortcake, I loved using them to make fresh Strawberry Picnic Pies, a wonderful recipe I came across via The Farm Chicks Blog.

Mine were nowhere near as pretty as theirs, but just as tasty!

Very Berry Smoothies

3c. Frozen Strawberries

3/4-1 c. Milk

2 Scoops Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract (optional)

Blend until smooth. 

Makes 2 servings.

Enjoy!