Whatâ€™s In Season: Strawberries

Recipes

Written by Elke Probkevitz

Friday, 29 April 2011 12:09

When you see those bright red strawberries at the market, you know itâ€™s spring. Sweet and juicy, and healthy as well, strawberries are natureâ€™s little heart-shaped gifts. Strawberries are great in desserts, of course, from strawberry shortcake to elegant chocolate-dipped strawberries. However, they can also be used in savory dishes and salads. They are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthy treat for your body and your taste buds.

Selecting. Strawberries can be purchased year round, but they are at their best between April and July. Choose berries that are firm, shiny, and deep red in color. They are very perishable, so buy them close to when you plan to use them and handle with care. Remove any bad berries from the bunch before storing in the refrigerator.

Preparing. After soaking and washing according to your kashrus standards, dry them off immediately with a paper towel. Only wash right before using so they do not begin to grow mold. Remove stems by twisting off, then hull with a paring knife by placing the tip of the knife into the edge of the stem and rotate around to cut out. You can also take a straw and push through from the bottom of the strawberry straight through to the stem to remove it. To slice the berries, place stem-side down on cutting board to stabilize, then make uniform size slices through the berry.

Uses. Of course you can eat strawberries straight up, mix them into a smoothie, or make a fruit salad. Their sweetness, which is not overpowering, also lends itself to many other dishes. Add to spinach, asparagus, and walnuts for a bright, fresh salad thatâ€™s good for your skin and your heart. Top a cake with sliced strawberries in concentric circles for a beautiful presentation. Layer strawberries with other berries, yogurt, and granola for a healthy breakfast parfait. You can also create a salsa to serve with fish or chicken.

Halibut With Balsamic Strawberry Salsa

Ingredients:

4 halibut fillets
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 pint strawberries, chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. mint or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350Â°. Heat olive oil in ovenproof skillet. Season halibut with salt and pepper. Sear fish for 2 minutes on each side, till nicely browned. Place in oven for about 5 minutes more to cook through, watching carefully not to overcook.

While halibut is cooking, mix strawberries, lime juice, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add mint or cilantro and stir gently. Top fish with salsa, and serve.

Want to learn how to cook delicious gourmet meals right in your own kitchen? Take one-on-one cooking lessons or give a gift to an aspiring cook that you know. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-508-3663, writing to elke@TakeHomeChef.net, or visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net.