Saturday morning was beautiful and clear, so we drove out to
Ditzler Orchard, north of town, for some u-pick strawberries with Jonah and Stephanie. The patch was huge and we got to choose a row and pick and pick until we had enough. I guess, presented with tons of fresh ripe berries, our eyes were larger than our stomachs. Mitchell and I picked about nine pounds of berries, got them home and then had to decide what to do with them. What would you do with nine pounds of fresh, ripe strawberries?
Here's my answer:
1. Jam.
We made a full batch of strawberry jam and a half batch of strawberry balsamic jam. That's twelve 8-ounce jars. I had never made jam by myself, but I had helped my grandmother make it when I was a kid and my family has always 'put up' food. Stephanie made some last year for the first time, so with her encouragement I sallied forth. It all seemed to turn out just perfect, but I guess we'll see for sure when we open a jar and begin to enjoy it. Note: for those who think my preserve selection too exotic, it is now well-stocked with homemade strawberry jam. Just like you like it.
2. Cheese cake Ice Cream with Strawberries
A double recipe of one of favorite ice creams, studded with red berries. Yum!
3. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble with Walnuts
I held back enough fresh strawberries to make a crumble with rhubarb that was promised to me for Monday. Some people (Dad!) don't care for the tartness of rhubarb or the idea of adding all that sugar, but that sweet-tart mix is one of my favorite flavors. Oatmeal and walnuts on top? It's practically a health food!
4. Share the Harvest
Give some to friends! We had a delicious dinner on Saturday night with Jimmy, Ellie, Hadley and the menagerie, and took them some fresh berries to enjoy on Sunday morning.
5. Sorbet
I froze a few of them to use in a strawberry sorbet at some future date.
THAT is what you do with a flat of fresh-picked strawberries that I thought would never end...next week: the TH farmer's market opens and I have been studying up on preserves, pickles and other treats. Stay tuned.
The strawberry-fest continues! We crushed some of the freshly-picked berries from last week and stashed them in the freezer. Transforming those beautiful berries into a delicious sorbet couldn't be easier. There is very little added sugar, so it's basically like eating cold, amazing fruit on a spoon.