It's a Family Affair

I thought the last of the season's strawberries were gone, but then on a visit to the market last week I witnessed incredibly plump, gorgeous crates of strawberries dotting the store with visions of red - and if you haven't figured it out I can't say no to strawberries. If I was broke and had to choose between paying rent and buying strawberries, I'd probably buy the strawberries.

It's a family affair, have you seen my sisters blog: French Knots?

For Labor Day, my parents (Mom/Dad) just arrived in town - and the capitalists that we are, celebrated the occasion; in fact, any occasion that salutes the American Spirit, you can count me in!

I unfortunately had to cave in and finally buy ice cream that wasn't Tillamook. I was in a sad state, until I paired it with strawberries, and voilà...

This month's recipe swap is all about Strawberries! 

#1: Chocolate Strawberry Cake Tart, by Passionate about Baking

Strawberries, Almonds, Pistachios, and cream! This looks so delicious, plus it is partnered with a beautiful ode to Mother's (day) post: "When your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes, or no. You're going to get it anyway," Erma Bombeck.

Plus, I've always wanted one of those square strawberry tart pans, hint hint Christmas is coming... anyone?

#2: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert, by Kelly's Recipes

Kelly was inspired to make this by a reader, and though I've never considered pairing pretzels with strawberries, it looks delicious - so why not! In my experience, I've found there is nothing that strawberries don't make taste good. It's like the perfect accessory, it can make anything look good!

#3: Strawberry Coffee cake, by My Favorite Kitchen

This recipe sounds simple, yet delicious and a must have for breakfast! It is moist and fluffy, and I can easily imagine it with a bit of melted butter and pineapple juice!

#4: Strawberry Shortcake, by Fahrenheit 350° (oooh! that's me!)

Throw the Bisquick out! This puffed shortcake will be the best and last shortcake you will ever make. It has a crispy outer crunch, encasing a buttery soft and temperately sweet cake. Over here, we make our Strawberry Shortcake Burgerville style, substituting ice cream for whipped cream.

Ice Cream:

2 cups vanilla ice cream

Juice from 1 lemon

Beat together with hand held mixer until smooth

Chill in freezer until ready to serve

Strawberries:

Wash, hull and quarter ½ pound or more of strawberries

Stir with zest of one lemon and ½+/- cup sugar to taste

Shortcake:

2 ¼ cups flour

¼ cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

Whisk together

Add 2 egg yolks and mix with pastry blender

Then add 1 stick of chilled butter and mix with pastry blender until mixture is course and crumbly

Stir in ⅔ cup buttermilk until mixture is slightly wet (add more flour if too sticky, a little at a time)

Knead lightly with hands and roll onto a lightly floured surface

Roll out to ½ inch+ thickness, and cut out desired shapes

Place on parchment, or mat on baking sheet

Coat lightly with buttermilk and sugar

Bake at F350°, 20-25 minutes, until lightly browned and puffed

Cool on wire rack

Finalè:

When ready to serve, slice each cake in half

Place a dollop of lemon iced, ice cream on base of cake 

Cover with a generous serving of strawberries

Place top of cake over strawberries

Adorn with a paper flag

Makes about 8 medium sized cakes

Other links:

Six months ago I posted a Strawberry Tart

Zoe Bakes posted a beautiful rendition of Strawberry Fool 

Daring Bakers, A Cat in the Kitchen, My Lime Green Kitchen and The Leftover Queen dared to challenge a Strawberry Mirror Cake

Now, it is your turn! Share your favorite Strawberry recipes for the month of August, and be sure to include a link! I will pick a recipe at random(.org), and highlight it on my blog!

I love to make new recipes, and I love to link to fabulous, talented people!

3..., 2..., 1..., Start submitting!