A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a last minute brunch. All of the food was made either the evening before or the morning of the brunch. The easy menu featured something for everyone, with dishes that were both vegetarian and meat friendly.
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The other day I was going on about wanting to make strawberry pie (I saw the recipe in Gourmet's June issue) when my friend interrupted me. She pointed out that sadly, strawberry season is almost over. Determined to make the pie, I headed to my local market in hopes of finding the last of the season's berries.
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This Saturday is the Summer solstice, and if you're looking for a way to enjoy the longest day of the year, there are still oodles of food festivals happening all over the country. Strawberry season is in full force, peaches are popping up in Alabama, and a massive barbecue competition is going down in our nation's capital. Take a look at some of the best fests happening in the next week.
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After enjoying a pizza topped with strawberries, mint, and feta, I've been looking for other creative ways to eat my favorite Summer fruit. The other night, when I needed a side salad to go with eggplant parmesan, I borrowed the berry, mint, and feta combo and added sugar snap peas, which are almost as delicious as strawberries right now. To contrast the delicate flavors, I used slivered almonds and a garlicky, almond-infused balsamic dressing.
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Well, you all know what I'm doing this weekend: Heading to the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, one of the food world's most important and awesome events. But if you can't join me, don't worry: There are plenty of food festivals to go around. From strawberries and sushi to barbecue and banana splits, the yummy celebrations are all over the map (literally).
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If you're a fan of cocktails, you'll appreciate this tidbit just in time for berry season and Summer-drink mixing. According to studies conducted by Thailand's Kasetsart University and the USDA, soaking berries in liquor increases their antioxidant capacity.
While testing methods for preserving strawberries, the scientists discovered that soaking them in grain alcohol also upped their antioxidant levels. According to the article:
Colored berry fruits like strawberries contain compounds known as polyphenols and anthocyanins.
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I love combining two desserts to make one new, delicious dessert. In this recipe for strawberry chocolate shortcakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries meets classic strawberry shortcake. What a wonderful way to wow guests.
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Both cherries and strawberries are in season and juicy-sweet delicious right now. Since they won't be this perfect for long, I can't help but buy bunches of both every time I go to the market. But if given the choice to eat just one for the rest of my life, I'd definitely choose strawberries.
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It's a strawberry pie, but not the kind you're thinking of. Since I'm all about finding new ways to enjoy strawberries, I recently ordered a cornmeal-crusted pizza topped with classic tomato sauce, sweet berries, feta cheese, and mint. Admittedly, the flavor combo was a bit incongruous on a pizza, but I'd definitely order it again.
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Strawberries are in season, and every time I pop one of the candy-sweet berries into my mouth, I'm reminded why people savor in-season fruit so much. If you aren't eating strawberries right now, I don't know what you're waiting for. They are a great addition to salads, brunch, cocktails, and, of course, desserts.
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