by Lynn Greene
Ready to pick
Super strawberries now in season
The strawberries are finally here, and despite too much
rain — producing muddy fields — and a shortage of warm
weather for ripening, the berries are delicious. And they’re
good for you, too!
Festivals
Tickle your strawberry palate at Long Grove’s annual strawberry
fest, held this weekend (June 21-22). Long Grove, Ill.,
is a short drive over the Illinois/Wisconsin state line
at Highway 53 and Highway 83. This lovely town welcomes
visitors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the free entertainment
includes a classic car show and plenty of strawberry treats.
Cedarburg, Wis., will host its 23rd annual strawberry
festival June 28-29. Events include art fairs at the Cedarburg
Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement and the Ozaukee
Art Center. Cedar Creek Winery will serve strawberry blush
wine by the glass. Other events include a Sunday morning
strawberry pancake breakfast; a pet talent show; live music
all weekend, including Paul Cebar and Pat McCurdy; activities
for the children; and we haven’t even mentioned the strawberries
yet!
There’s a strawberry shortcake eating contest, strawberry
bubble gum bubble contest and a food court featuring strawberries.
Cedarburg is north of Milwaukee off of Interstate 43. Call
(262) 377-9620, (888) 894-4001 or go to www.cedarburgfestivals.org.
Pick-your-own farms are a good place to get your share
of sweet strawberries, although with this rainy and not-so-
sunny weather, always call ahead to check conditions. Some
farms will close on irregular schedules to allow the strawberries
to ripen up.
Facts to know
Here are a few facts to know before you go: One quart
of strawberries will weigh between 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 pounds.
Usually, 1-1/2 quarts are needed to make one pie. One cup
of sliced fresh berries is the equivalent to a 10-ounce
package of frozen berries.
Do not wash your berries until they are ready to use.
Strawberries should be stored in the refrigerator in a
loosely covered container or bowl.
Freezing strawberries is easy. You can freeze them whole,
sliced, chopped, mashed or pureed and may freeze them with
or without sugar added. Any container can be used; reserve
some head room for expansion.
Sky-high strawberry pie
— Courtesy of Hazeltine’s Century Farm.
1 deep-dish pastry shell (10- inch size), baked
3 quarts fresh strawberries, divided
1-1/2 cups sugar
6 Tbsps. cornstarch
2/3 cup water
Red food coloring, optional
1 cup heavy cream
1-1/2 Tbsps. instant vanilla pudding mix
In a large bowl, mash enough berries to equal 3 cups.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in
the mashed berries and water; mix well. Bring to a boil
over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for
2 minutes. Remove from the heat; add food coloring if desired.
Pour into a large bowl. Chill for 20 minutes, stirring
occasionally, until mixture is just slightly warm. Fold
in the remaining berries. Pile into pie shell. Chill for
2 to 3 hours.
In a small mixing bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form.
Sprinkle pudding mix over cream and whip until stiff. Pipe
whip cream around edge of pie or dollop on individual slices.
To make an easy crust: Combine 1-1/2 cups fine graham
crackers, chocolate or vanilla wafers, shortbread or gingersnap
crumbs with 1/4 cup melted butter. Press on bottom and
side of 9- or 10-inch pie pan. Chill at least on hour before
using.
Strawberry bread
— Courtesy of Thompson Strawberry Farm.
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup salad oil
1 tbsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup quick oats
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 cups crushed strawberries
Beat eggs and sugar; then add oil and vanilla. Mix in
flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and baking powder.
Add strawberries and mix well.
Pour into two greased and floured 4- by 8-inch bread
loaf pans. Bake 1 hour at 350 F.
Strawberry smoothie
Serves 1
6 large strawberries
1/2 cup yogurt
1/2 cup ice cream
1/2 cup milk
Use strawberry-, lemon- or vanilla-flavored yogurt and
ice cream. Substitute frozen yogurt if desired for ice
cream. Use any variety of milk — skim to whole. Blend ingredients
together and serve. |
