It’s officially the best season of the year, strawberry season! Fresh strawberries are finally popping up in grocery stores and farmers markets all over the country and for many of us, that means summer has finally arrived!
Some flavors have the capacity to hold the magic of summer nostalgia. That sweetness with the zing of tart and the smell of those fresh, juicy berries can bring it all back in an instant. There’s just something about the smell of a box of freshly picked strawberries that makes it feel like summer has started. It’s true that dishes like strawberry shortcake and strawberry shakes are common and well-loved classics and yes, you can most definitely enjoy these delicious bites just as they are! But we think it’s infinitely more fun to come up with exciting new ways to experience these summer favorites! This year, let’s spice it up with one (or all!) of these scrumptious recipes!
1Strawberry Dole Whip
Disneyland might have been on your to-do list this summer and the thought of missing their signature Dole Whip treat can be a significant disappointment. But don’t worry, we have you covered! This Strawberry version from Butter and Bliss of the classic recipe has all the makings of the real one but with a delicious twist! Mickey Mouse may not be there to greet you but you’ll definitely get your fix with this sweet treat!
For an even more authentic experience, head on over to Youtube and take a virtual ride on the Matterhorn! It may not be the real thing, but it’s deliciously close and you’ll be able to skip those long lines! Plus, an added bonus, this recipe from Butter and Bliss is vegan and gluten-free! What could be better than that?
2Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream Pie
Strawberry season definitely calls for some strawberry infused lemonade but why stop there? Uplevel your drink into an ice cream pie to really get the taste of summer swimming on those taste buds! You’ll need frozen lemonade concentrate, a tub of whip cream, vanilla ice cream, freshly cut strawberries and to make it easy, a pre-made graham cracker crust to make this sweet summer pie.
Simply mix all the ingredients together, add it to the crust, smooth it over with the last dollop of whip cream and freeze for 3-4 hours. With a mouth-watering graham cracker crust and only 5 ingredients from start to finish, it’s a no brainer that this one has to be made immediately. Bonus Tip: Submerge your knife in a bowl of hot water prior to slicing to get smooth and easily cut portions!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1- Pre Made Graham Cracker Crust
- 1/2 tub of Cool Whip
- 1/2 liter of vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 tube of frozen pink lemonade concentrate
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries
Read More: 15 Spring Recipes to Freshen Up Family Mealtime
3Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
The name alone will make you salivate. Cheesecake and strawberry in one? I’d say we’re definitely sold! This recipe is so quick and easy with such a great flavor combination it will soon become a regular treat for strawberry seasons to come.
Fun Bonus: It’s simple enough that the kids can make it too! Let them join you in preparing it the first few times and they’ll have the recipe down in no time! Making memories and a sweet treat all at once will resonate with your kids, ensuring that this recipe will become a family legacy! Be sure to check out this crowd-pleasing recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian and treat yourself to some delicious flavors.
4Strawberry Mojitos
What’s strawberry season without a little kick? The combination of this tangy favorite with the touch of summer sweetness makes this regular mojito a sure season favorite! Amy at The Blond Cook shares her strawberry twist on an already amazing cocktail. Can’t you just imagine these at your next barbecue? Or just as a porch-sitting unwinder at the end of a hot summer day? The freshness and seasonal goodness sounds just too good to pass up!
5Strawberry Butter
This may be a new one to many of you out there but if you’ve never had a summer biscuit with strawberry butter you are definitely missing out! The rich, smooth texture with the added sweetness of fresh strawberries makes this easy recipe a must-do this strawberry season!
Simply add a spoonful of strawberry jam, chopped, fresh strawberries and a spoonful of confectioners sugar to a softened stick of butter and mix until smooth! In less than five minutes you’ll have created the perfect addition to numberless meals! You can add it to your morning toast, spread it on a croissant, or as a big crowd-pleaser, use it to top a decadent piece of french toast! The possibilities for strawberry season treats are endless with this smooth and sweet butter!
Read More: 40 Summer Salads the Whole Family Will Love
Want to enjoy summer strawberries but don’t know how to tell you’re getting the best ones? Here are a few tips to help!
Look for the bright red color:
Strawberries don’t continue to ripen after they’re picked so make sure you’re grabbing the ones that are that bright red with minimal green or yellow. Color is key for that sweet bursting flavor!
Check those leaves:
When strawberries are picked the leaves will start to slowly wilt. The more wilt on a strawberry, the longer they’ve been on the shelves and it’s a telltale sign that they aren’t as fresh as they once were.
Check the top AND the bottom:
Don’t let those beauties on top fool you! Sometimes the sheer weight of the berries sitting on top of each other causes them to bruise and in turn causing them to rot much faster. Make sure to check both sides of the box to make sure that the bottom half of your strawberries are in good shape as well.
Spot the Signs:
If you see mold, it’s best to just pass. Even if there is only a small amount of mold it means there is likely more and furthermore, means that the berries are already going bad. If mold is present the rotting process has already started and the window of freshness has already passed.
Now that strawberry season is officially upon us and you’re armed with all these delicious recipes and insider tips and tricks to get the best berry treats! Get ready for a summer that is packed full of delicious treats and recipes you’ll be wanting to make for summers to come! Which of these will you try first?
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on Sweet & Simple Summer Recipes for Kids.
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