There is no better way to celebrate being alive right here in this moment then eating good food made with something in season that you harvested yourself from the earth. I think that strawberries are one of the most beautiful things to exist on our planet. It is magical that we can share the earth with something so stunning. Their brilliant bright red color, how they look like a heart when you cut them in half, the sweet, all-encompassing scent, the delicious flavor when you eat a warm one fresh that’s never been refrigerated, the popping sound they make when you pick a ripe one from the plant, the endless possibilities for creation… all of these things help me to thrive during strawberry season.
As my friends and family already know, when strawberries are in season, everything else fades away. My weeks center around when I will have time to go picking at a local berry farm (shoutout to Bures Berry Patch!), all other commitments take a backseat. I gush to the farmer about how much I appreciate the opportunity to sit in the dirt and pull the leaves back, checking every berry for ripeness and getting to know one of my favorite ingredients on such an intimate level. “Thank you for doing all of the hard work and giving me the chance to bask in the glory of the strawberry.”
When I get home with my 15 pounds of strawberries after spending 1-2 hours picking, I get to work processing them. I can literally breathe them in and feel my heart grow fuller. There is no other place I would rather be then fully in the moment, just me and the strawberries. For three weeks every summer, strawberries are what give me peace, and I am so grateful that they exist.
Much of my time during those weeks is spent making strawberry syrup and preserves. Things designed to trap that special flavor in something that I can return to later, when I need it. I also devote time to finding ways to savor the fresh berries. How many dishes can I add fresh strawberries to and enjoy them during this time of year? How many new desserts can I come up with to fully appreciate and celebrate the strawberry?
I love sharing the way strawberries make me feel with those around me. My wonderful mom goes picking with me, and has started coming up with her own desserts to celebrate the strawberry. Last week, with all of my family gathered around the dinner table, we enjoyed “Strawberry Divine,” her latest creation. What a privilege to celebrate the magic of the strawberry with those people in my life who are the most important to me – recipe included below.
Strawberry Divine
- Store-bought puff pastry
- 3 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- ½ c Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Fresh picked strawberries (as many as you want!)
- 2T to ¼ c Strawberry Jam (store bought or home made)
- Whipped Cream
Roll out puff pastry onto a sheet pan and score the surface with a sharp knife, bake in a 350° F oven for 8 minutes, or until golden brown, puffed up, and cooked through. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until blended and smooth. Microwave jam to soften (enough to coat all your strawberries, depending) and toss with fresh strawberries. When puff pastry has cooled, top with cream cheese mixture, tossed strawberries, and whipped cream. Suggested garnish: fresh mint leaves.
