The Sweet Taste of Summer - Part II

Thanks Amanda for sending in these recipe's from Today's Parent magazine.

"I have two that I have tried out of Today's Parent magazine (July 2006) that are both very yummy!"

strawberry Sorbet (a healthier alternative to ice creaml!!!)
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (measure while still frozen)
3 tbsp lemon juice

In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar, and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
If you're using fresh strawberries, rinse and remove hulls. If you're using frozen berries, let them thaw completely. Puree berries in a blender or food processor until smooth, then add the cooled syrup and blend just until combined. Stir in the lemon juice. Pour mixture into a shallow metal baking dish or metal bowl. Place in the freezer and let freeze until just beginning to solidify around the edges. Stir to break up the frozen areas, and return to the freezer again until partially frozen. Repeat the stirring and freezing until the sorbet has a slushy, scoopable consistency. Serve immediately or transfer to a tightly sealed container and store in the freezer. If you let if freeze solid, let the sorbet soften slightly at room temperature before serving.
Yummy on a hot summer's day!!!

Strawberry Syrup (idea from Today's Parent July 2006)
Instead of syrup on pancakes, try this:
Take a pint of fresh strawberries (can be defrosted frozen berries)--about 2 cups sliced. Toss into the blender, add lemon juice and sugar to taste and you've got strawberry puree for pancakes (makes about 1 cup).
My daughter LOVED this over pancakes and crumpets!!!





Yummy! It's officially summer, which also means that strawberries are in season and ready for pickin'! From mid-June to mid-July you can find juicy & homegrown strawberries throughout York Region.

Why not pack up the little one and head to a Pick-Your-Own farm for the afternoon? Some farms in our area have tractor rides, animals, restaurants and even have already picked baskets for you. There are many farms in York Region and beyond!

For more information check out The Ontario Berry Grower Association. My favourite recipe for strawberries is "Strawberry Poppyseed Spinach Salad" let us know if you've got any strawberry inspired recipe's send them through and we'll post them!