strawberry picking + strawberry recipes

One of mine and Joe’s favorite things to do here in Minnesota is go berry picking.  Picking strawberries is our absolute favorite!  We like to visit the strawberry fields that allow you to eat as you pick, so…we spend all morning picking berries and leave very well fed!  One of my little dreams is to grow my own berries one day, but until then, we are happy to take the thirty minute drive to pick our own.

Here are some of the berries we’ve picked along with our favorite strawberry recipes…

Strawberry Jam

2 quarts strawberries, washed and stemmed

1 package (1-3/4 ounces) powdered fruit pectin

6-3/4 cups sugar

Crush strawberries and measure 4-1/2 cups berries into a large saucepan. Stir in pectin and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Add sugar and return to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and skim off foam. Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles; wipe rims and adjust lids. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner. Yield: about 7 half-pints.

Strawberries Romanoff

1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup orange juice

Sprinkle strawberries with sugar. Cover and refrigerate 15-20 minutes. Just before serving, whip cream until stiff. Gently stir in orange juice. Fold in berries or serve individually in small bowls topped with the flavored cream. Yield: 4-6 servings.

Chocolate Caramel Fondue

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 jar (12 ounces) caramel ice cream topping

3 ounces unsweetened chocolatechopped

Fresh strawberries

In a large saucepan, combine the milk, caramel topping and chocolate. Cook over low heat until chocolate is melted. Transfer to a fondue pot and keep warm. Serve with fresh strawberries. Yield: 2-1/2 cups.

Strawberry Walnut Salad

6 cups mixed salad greens

1 pint fresh strawberries sliced

1 package (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Balsamic vinaigrette

In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, strawberries, feta cheese and walnuts. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss to coat. Yield: 4-6 servings.

Strawberry Lemonade

3 cups cold water

1 quart fresh strawberries

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup lemon juice

2 cups cold club soda

Lemon slices, optional

Place half of the water, strawberries and sugar in a blender; cover and blend until smooth. Transfer to a large pitcher. Repeat with remaining water, strawberries and sugar. Stir in lemon juice, then add soda. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon if desired. Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).