Adventures: Strawberry Picking

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It’s the first Sunday in a new season, which means we are moving on to a new idea for our “Letters” series. Since this season is about nature we will be exploring ways in which we can make sure and utilize our time outdoors. The sun is out, but are you appreciating all you can do outside? I know I can still use a push at times to truly enjoy all there is to do in my area. Let’s all work a little harder together this season to make sure we are getting out there and having new adventures.

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A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to go strawberry picking for the first time. It was the perfect way to spend my morning outdoors. I was able to take a quick, scenic drive into the country, chat with a friend while we easily picked strawberries and then munch on juicy berries for the rest of the week.

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U-pick farms always seems like a good idea to me, but one I rarely utilize. Being in a new part of the country this summer, I’m determined to get out there, know my local farms better and of course enjoy more fresh produce. A general internet search can let you know about farms in your area, but I did find the site Pick Your Own to be the perfect starting off place. The sites a bit busy, but it breaks down places to go by each state and then into region, and then into what produce grows that month. It also offers great tips on canning and freezing. Along with how to pick each fruit, when the fruit is ripe and other helpful information. I love how the strawberry section even had a picture to let you know exactly when to pick strawberries.

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Ok, now let’s talk about Pinterest for a minute. I’m what one might call an over-pinner. I have more pins of projects and recipes than I could possibly get to. At the same time I love how neatly organized our different food categories are. It’s beautiful. Yep, I just said that. Deal with it. One of the reasons it tickles me is when I want to look for say something I could make with strawberries, there are an abundance of ideas. Choices are overwhelming, yet somehow still gratifying.

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So, if you are looking for some tasty strawberry recipes to try, have at it:

Sweet Athena: Blueberry & Strawberry Salad,  Roasted Strawberry Crostini, Strawberry Valentine’s Cupcakes, Strawberry Layer-Cake, Anne’s Liniment Cake with Strawberries, Crispy Seltzer Waffles topped with Strawberries, Strawberry Pavlovas,     

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Linz’s Strawberry Pavlovas

Drinks: DIY Strawberry Vodka, Roasted Strawberry Shortcake Shake,

Pies & Tarts: Berry Topped White Balsamic Custard Tart, Fruit Tart, Classic Strawberry Tart, Summer Berry Tart,

Cookies & Bars: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, Strawberry Mojito Cookies,

Cakes Large & SmallStrawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Cream Cheese Glaze, Strawberry Cupcakes with Mint Goat Cheese Buttercream, Strawberry Shortcake Cake, Strawberry Shortcake Muffins,

Random: Strawberries + Angel Food Cake Ice Cream, Strawberry, Balsamic, Basil Pizza, Strawberry Butter,

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After all this talk of things to make and bake, what did I do with my batch of strawberries? Well, if I’m being perfectly honest I was on a three day detox, which involved no sugar, dairy, or gluten. I just needed a bit of a “reset” from all the rich food I had been eating in the Bahamas and when my Dad was in town visiting. Possibly it sounds sad that I went fruit picking while on a detox, but actually the timing was perfect, I just ate a ton of fresh produce and enjoyed the fruits of my labor (Come on, you knew that pun was coming).

Oh and before I go, I can tell you have a burning question. I’m sure it goes something like, “But wait, if the weekly Letter series is continuing and Linz is on break, what is all this “we” talk about!?” Good question, reader! Linz and I are excited to share that we will be having a regular guest contributor on the blog. Tune in next Sunday to see what awesome adventure they will take us on.

 

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