Lovin’ Those Strawberries

This is one of my favorite times of year for many reasons – everything seems so alive and green – and fresh, ripe, delectable strawberries are making their way to town. I was so afraid that the late spring freeze ruined them, but we’ve seen Mr. Shore’s roadside stand booming on Highway 321 outside of Boone, so his source must have made it through without too much damage. And, thanks to our special friends, Blake and Anne Brown, we have thoroughly enjoyed beautiful berries from Johnston County discovered at the Farmer’s Market in Raleigh. Those are some of the best strawberries that I have ever had. Thank You!

Now, run out and grab you a quart or two and try not to eat them all before you have time to try a few of these recipes.

Pretzels And Strawberry Salad

2 cups crushed pretzels
¼ cup sugar
½ stick melted butter
Mix the above. Press in 9x13 pan. Bake 350 degrees 10 minutes. Cool.
8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 cup Cool Whip
1 lg. pkg. strawberry Jell-O
2 cups pineapple juice or water
2 pints fresh or frozen strawberries

Blend cream cheese, Cool Whip and sugar. Spread over pretzel crust. Refrigerate. Dissolve Jello in hot water. Add strawberries. When Jell-O sets, add to crust.
Top with extra Cool Whip.

Diabetic Strawberry Trifle

1 qt. strawberries
1 angel food cake
1 lg. box Jello sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix
Cool Whip (light)

Mash berries. Tear cake into 1-inch cubes. Prepare pudding as directed on the box. Line bowl with a layer of cake, berries and pudding. Continue layering.
Top with Cool Whip.

Spinach Salad With Strawberries and Oranges

1 lb. spinach leaves, washed, with stems removed
3 green onions, chopped
2 cups whole strawberries
1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
¼ cup cashews or walnuts coarsely chopped

Be sure the spinach is washed and dried. Wash, hull, and drain strawberries. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, chopped onions, strawberries, oranges, and cashews.

Dressing:
3 Tbsp. honey
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. dry mustard
½ tsp. paprika
½ cup oil
2 Tbsp. vinegar
½ tsp. celery seed

Beat dressing ingredients together with a fork or mix in a blender. Do not pour the dressing over the salad until ready to serve or the spinach will be limp.

Strawberries And Cream Pie

1 prepared pie crust
Filling
8 oz. cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
¼ - ½ tsp. almond extract
1 cup whipping cream
½ cup semi-sweet morsels
1 Tbsp. Shortening
4 cups strawberries, fresh

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar and extract. Blend well. Spoon into cooled pie crust. Arrange strawberries pointed side up over filling. Chill.

Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful . . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris. It is available at all locations of High Country Media – Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level, booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.