Strawberries

Strawberry season is nearly here, and it's time to find the favorite strawberry recipes! Our family has so many fond memories of strawberry feasts at my husband's parents house. They raised strawberries commercially for several years, and even when they didn't, the neighbors down the road did, so in the springtime, strawberries were always abundant and plentiful! Mom would make her speciality biscuits (made from whole wheat pastry flour, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, baking powder, and water). They were 'melt in your mouth' delicious! She would serve them topped with sliced strawberries and maple syrup and a sweetened cashew cream topping. During strawberry season, she entertained frequent guests with lovely meals served on the covered patio and completed with her famous strawberry shortcake. Although I have made her shortcake biscuits, mine do not turn out quite as 'melt in your mouth' delicious as hers did. Other favorite family recipes are for fresh strawberry pie, fruit salads, frozen smoothies, and salads. Strawberries, field ripened, are SO delicious!

Here's a recipe for Strawberry Spinach Salad. I hope you enjoy it!

Spinach or Romaine
Strawberries
Red Onion Rings
Mushrooms
Sliced Avocado
Candied Slivered Almonds

Dressing:
3/4 cup Veganaise
1/3 cup sugar
2 - 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, fresh
1/4 cup soymilk,plain
2 Tbsp. poppy seeds

Candied Almonds:
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup almonds

Mix candied almond ingredients together in skillet. Stir for 10 minutes over medium heat. The mixture will turn "powdery".

For salad:
Gently hand-toss spinach/romaine, strawberries, red onion rings, mushrooms, sliced avocado, and candied slivered almonds in cut-glass serving bowl.
Serve with dressing on the side.
Garnish with whole strawberries and avocados.

Enjoy!