DISCLAIMER: This post was developed in sponsored partnership with the California Strawberry Commission; however, as always, all opinions are genuine.
Just like every closet should have a little black dress, every fridge should have California strawberries. 'Why?', you ask? Or even if you didn't ask, let me tell you why. Not only are strawberries visually stunning and dare I say, 'fashionable' when it comes to the food department, but they are also nutritious.
Strawberries are not only low in sugar and calories, they also provide a unique combination of essential nutrients, dietary fibre and phytochemicals. One serving of eight strawberries is packed with beneficial antioxidants and nutrients including potassium, folate and fiber. With year-round availability, California strawberries are a healthy and versatile fruit to enjoy every day.
Here are some additional reasons why one serving per day of California strawberries is the perfect addition to any snack or mealtime:
California strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C (Strawberries have the same amount of Vitamin C as an orange)
A serving of 8 California strawberries is only 50 calories
A serving of 8 California strawberries is a source of fibre
Strawberries are great for a mid-morning energy boost, healthy evening snack or a delicious accessory to a sweet or savoury recipe
California strawberries are in peak season and readily available right now (and when local strawberries are off-season!).
If you’re not already a fan of strawberries, you should be (or at least should give it a solid effort). Not only are they juicy and delicious, the benefits of strawberries are endless, and some will even surprise you.
Of course, another reason why they should be your fridge's little black dress are that they can add vibrant look and flavour to any meal or snack. Whether you’re an experienced chef or baking/cooking newbie, these recipes by California strawberries will be visually stunning.
Tip: Cheese filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.
Servings: 18 Balsamic Bites
Calories per serving: 147kcal
Equipment
Piping bag
Ingredients
18-20 medium-sized fresh strawberries
½ cup softened cream cheese
½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
1 tsp finely chopped thyme
½ tsp cracked black pepper
Parmesan Thyme Crisp:
½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
To prepare the strawberries:
Trim the leafy stem end from a strawberry and stand up on cut end.
Starting at the tip of the strawberry, make two cuts in a cross pattern 2/3 of the way down.
Gently open up the four strawberry sections wide enough to fit a large star piping tip.
Repeat with remaining strawberries.
For Parmesan Thyme Crisp:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle Parmesan in an even 1/8 inch thick layer.
Top with thyme leaves and cracked black pepper.
Bake in center rack for 3-4 minutes until light golden.
Set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, grated Parmesan, balsamic vinegar, thyme and pepper.
Scrape mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe about 1 ½ tablespoons into each strawberry.
Gently break Parmesan Thyme Crisp into small pieces and top each strawberry to garnish.
Notes 1 bite is 1/18th recipe and assumed all Parmesan Thyme Crisps used up. Cheese filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.
Servings: 1 Cocktail
Calories: 223kcal
Equipment
Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
2 Tbsp coarse sugar
1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves
juice of 1 lime
1 cup California strawberries puréed
2 Tbsp pasteurized egg white
1 oz gin optional
1 cup ice
2 oz sparkling water
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker, muddle sugar, rosemary, and lime juice.
Add strawberry purée, egg white, gin, and ice. Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Pour through shaker strainer into a glass. Top with sparkling water.
Garnish with a rosemary skewered strawberry, macaron, and/or lime curl.
Tip: Thawed frozen strawberries can be used in place of fresh.
For more info on California Strawberries and more delicious recipes, visit here.
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