Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits but at the start of the strawberry season you virtually had to apply for a bank loan to indulge in the sun-kissed sweetness of these luscious berries. Now, just a few short months later, you can hardly drive past the strawberry fields that crisscross Hod Hasharon without having stall vendors practically hurl the ruby red gems through your open car window and now is the time to stock your freezer and fridge while you have the chance.
Prices aren't likely to get much lower than they are right now and the current soaring temperatures will soon bring the season to a close. Head out to the strawberry fields along Sokolov Street - favored by many because they use only organic pesticides - and try these berry delicious recipes for size:
ROASTED STRAWBERRIES
3 cups strawberries, stalks removed
1/2 cup sugar
1:Place strawberries in ovenproof dish and sprinkle over sugar.
2: Place in oven at 160 C for approximately 20 minutes until tender and sticky.
3:Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice-cream, slices of plain cake or cheesecake.
INSTANT STRAWBERRY SOFT-SERVE ICE-CREAM
3 cups strawberries, stalks removed
250 ml cream
2 to 4 tablespoons honey
1: Freeze strawberries.
2: Place in food processor with cream and honey and process.
3: Serve as soon as possible with fresh strawberries for added zing!
TROPICAL FRUIT SALAD WITH YOGHURT CREAM
6 bananas, sliced and tossed in lemon juice
Canned/fresh mango cut in cubes
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 cup thick plain yoghurt
1/2 cup cream
Soft, dark brown sugar
1: Place fruit in bowl, combine yoghurt and cream and pour over fruit.
2: Sprinkle over sugar to cover completely and refrigerate a minimum of 1 hour.
Remember that strawberries can be frozen for at least 6 months - toss in a blender with vanilla milk, bananas and honey for the ultimate strawberry smoothie - so make space in your freezer now!
Prices aren't likely to get much lower than they are right now and the current soaring temperatures will soon bring the season to a close. Head out to the strawberry fields along Sokolov Street - favored by many because they use only organic pesticides - and try these berry delicious recipes for size:
ROASTED STRAWBERRIES
3 cups strawberries, stalks removed
1/2 cup sugar
1:Place strawberries in ovenproof dish and sprinkle over sugar.
2: Place in oven at 160 C for approximately 20 minutes until tender and sticky.
3:Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice-cream, slices of plain cake or cheesecake.
INSTANT STRAWBERRY SOFT-SERVE ICE-CREAM
3 cups strawberries, stalks removed
250 ml cream
2 to 4 tablespoons honey
1: Freeze strawberries.
2: Place in food processor with cream and honey and process.
3: Serve as soon as possible with fresh strawberries for added zing!
TROPICAL FRUIT SALAD WITH YOGHURT CREAM
6 bananas, sliced and tossed in lemon juice
Canned/fresh mango cut in cubes
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 cup thick plain yoghurt
1/2 cup cream
Soft, dark brown sugar
1: Place fruit in bowl, combine yoghurt and cream and pour over fruit.
2: Sprinkle over sugar to cover completely and refrigerate a minimum of 1 hour.
Remember that strawberries can be frozen for at least 6 months - toss in a blender with vanilla milk, bananas and honey for the ultimate strawberry smoothie - so make space in your freezer now!