Strawberry season is finally here!
I love going to pick strawberries at a u-pick farm here in central North Carolina, McAdams Farm. Last weekend I went there to get the first of this year’s crop. Fortunately, they’d survived the recent freeze.
The berries were so plentiful, I didn’t have go more than 5 or 6 feet down the row to fill up my basket. And they are sweet and delicious!
If you haven’t been, you should go try it. Strawberry picking is great exercise, and an outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy. Kids especially love it.
Here is a video recorded from a live Periscope broadcast I did in the field last season, on how to pick strawberries:
Here’s another tip. To keep fresh-picked strawberries longer, (1) Store in the refrigerator, and (2) Wash and cut immediately before using, rather than doing it ahead.
I love eating strawberries by themselves, but I also enjoy making treats with them. Here are three recipes I created that I wanted to share with you – Strawberry Muffins; a High-Protein Vitamin-Packed Strawberry Smoothie; and Strawberry Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing, which was developed by my husband Keith, a chef.
Strawberry Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (or coconut milk)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, or gluten-free flour (see my recipe here)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled, and chopped into small pieces
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 12-muffin pan with spray oil, or line with baking cups. Beat milk, oil and egg. Stir in flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, just until moistened. If batter is too thick, add more milk. Fold in strawberries. Fill muffin cups with batter, using an ice cream scoop. Bake 18-20 minutes. Let set for about 5 minutes, then remove from pan, and cool on rack.
Makes 12 muffins, 188 calories each. Nutrition Facts
High-Protein, Vitamin-Packed Strawberry Smoothie
In a blender, blend until thick:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 scoops vanilla flavored whey protein powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seed
- 1 packet of Emergen-C (optional)
- 2 cups of ice cubes
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
Note: This recipe uses chia seed that I received as a complimentary sample from my favorite online source of natural supplements, Vitacost.com. Emergen-C and whey protein powder are available through Vitacost; I’ve also purchased these items from Trader Joe’s. Here’s a link to get $5 off at Vitacost.
Makes 4 servings, 94 calories each. Nutrition Facts
Strawberry Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing
This dressing is a delicious addition to your favorite tossed salad. Top with sliced strawberries.
In a small food processor or blender, blend:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled
- 1 small shallot
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup champagne vinegar, or white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup grape seed oil
Season with a dash of kosher salt and white pepper to taste.
Keep refrigerated, and use within four days.
Makes 8 servings, 85 calories each. Nutrition Facts
©2017 Michelle Rogers, Inc.
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