The easiest thing I do if my strawberries are about to go off, is I hull them, cut away any bruised bits, slice them and macerate them in some good balsamic vinegar and a little bit of sugar. It makes a terrific topping for vanilla ice cream or pound cake or panna cotta or greek yogurt, and the vinegar will help extend their life a couple of days.
Oh, one other idea. I made this recipe last summer with my abundant strawberry crop: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/06/strawberry-conserve. The recipe is from Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer (the Canal House duo). The chefs use it as a base for strawberry fool or as a topping for bruschetta with Serrano ham. It is also delicious spooned over ice cream.
Another suggestion: Make drbabs' Beach House Strawberry Cake. Very simple to put together (you don't even need to get out a mixer) -- and really delicious. www.food52.com/recipes/13351_beach_house_strawberry_cake
i agree with the freeze suggestion. You could then throw them in pies, muffins or smoothies. I'm always doing the latter. I also like to simply cook down fruit that's about to go bad. Just put said fruit in a pot with sugar (to your liking) and a bit of water, letting them simmer until soft. You can then mash them up a bit. Use this to top yogurt, ice cream, or pound cake, etc. If you have some herbs or a vanilla bean lying around, you can add that too for a twist.
I would make quick and easy "freezer jam". Check the canning section of your grocery store and you will find packets of pectin specific for freezer jam, Just crush, stir in the powdered pectin, put in storage containers and into the freezer. What I like about freezer jam is it maintains a nice bright color and fresh fresh fresh taste.
Yeah just use them up making yourself a smoothie. Use 1/2 cup of Milk or yogurt, add the fruit and there you have yourself a fresh smoothie. Healthy and delicious.
http://www.food52.com/recipes/12934_the_river_cafs_strawberry_sorbet
You could also clean them and freeze them in a single layer on a parchment covered sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for tossing into smoothies down the road.
12 Comments
You could also clean them and freeze them in a single layer on a parchment covered sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for tossing into smoothies down the road.