Thursday, July 2, 2009

Yummers


Inspired by a recent post by Jaime Temairik Hedquist, I bought a flat of local (Whatcom County) strawberries on my way to Shangri-Lar. These berries are the definition of heaven -- not beautiful but richly red to the core. The perfume nearly made me loopy.

Upon my arrival, those I didn't consume ravenously, I converted into two luscious wonders: Strawberry Ice Cream (oh, I love my Cuisinart ice cream maker!) and pectin-less jam. Just in case you've managed to score some fresh-from-the-field strawberries, I'll share my recipes.

Strawberry Ice cream:

1 pint ripe strawberries, stemmed and sliced
3 T fresh lemon juice
1 c sugar, divided
2 c milk
1 c heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla

In smal bowl, combine berries with lemon juice and 1/2 c sugar. Stir gently and allow berries to macerate (what a great word!) for 2 hours. Strain, reserving juices. Mash or puree half the berries.

In medium mixing bowl, combine 1 c milk and remaining sugar (1-2 min). Stir in remaining milk and cream, reserved strawberry juice, mashed berries and vanilla.

Pour this into Cuisinart freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 15-20 min. Add the reserved berries and mix 5 min. more. Store in airtight container, if you can avoid consuming this scrumptious concoction in one bite.

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Preserves

Combine:
2 lbs. berries
4 c. sugar
2 T vinegar
1 pinch salt

Bring to rolling boil and stir for 15-20 minutes. I mashed up the berries at the end. This is a sloppy, gloppy jam perfect for homemade brioche (which I make from the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day cookbook).

Bon appetit!

3 comments:

  1. Do you put that jam in the freezer, or did you can it? I just blogged about making freezer jam with my kids! We love strawberry time. Thanks for the recipes :)

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  2. Well, one batch is being steadily consumed so it's in the frig. But it can be canned or frozen. I'll freeze it. If it lasts through the weekend and the crew that's coming to Shangri-Lar!

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  3. Yum yum yum! I've never tried making strawberry ice cream (I can usually be found making lemon sorbet), but you have tempted me mightily. The ice cream maker is still our favorite wedding present, ten years later!

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