Strawberries

Spring is in the air, and one way I love to officially celebrate my favorite season is to eat, decorate and wear all of the things that remind me of it.

And right now, it’s all about strawberries…

I jumped the gun a little bit for Valentine’s Day when I made these glorious treats, but now I’m really going full-speed in all things strawberry. At least until I can stand it.

These strawberry-colored sandals scream Spring (say that five times fast), and are affordable…

***

I love this skirt – it’s flirty length and cute pleats send all the right signals…

***

Of course, you can easily say the above choices are just plain red. But they make me want to eat strawberry shortcakes while I wear them. So there! 

But don’t be afraid to be obvious in your strawberry selections. I LOVE this vintage-looking pillow…

***

As I mentioned in several posts, I’ve been looking for area rugs to add to the house. Not only do they truly help to make a house feel like a home, but depending on your choice of pattern and color, they can really liven up a space. Of course, a strawberry-colored area rug will do just that…

***

Last but certainly not least, the best part about Spring strawberries are the way they taste. There’s nothing quite like the sweet, juicy, almost tart flavor. They are so easy to feature in any type of recipe – drink, dessert, snack – you name it.

Here’s a favorite recipe of mine that really highlights the sweetness of the strawberry, and the freshness of Spring…

***

That’s right, folks – a beautiful Strawberry Mojito. I don’t love traditional Mojitos, but when strawberries (or any fruit for that matter) are added, it transforms into a totally different drink.

Strawberry Mojito

INGREDIENTS

5 large mint leaves

1 to 1-1/2 oz simple syrup (see recipe below)

3 large or 5 small very ripe strawberries, hulled and cut into a small dice (I sometimes add more, to taste)

1/2 oz fresh lime juice – from about 2 limes

1-1/2 oz clear rum

Club soda

Ice

Fresh mint and a strawberry to garnish

DIRECTIONS

Preferably in a highball glass (it’s easier to mash the fruit in this type of glass), add mint leaves and 1 oz of simple syrup. Use a muddler or wooden spoon to mash the leaves in the syrup until they are broken up. Add the strawberry pieces and mash them with the spoon until they are broken up and juicy. Add ice cubes and pour in lime juice and rum.  Stir until combined and top with club soda.  Taste and add a bit more simple syrup if desired. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a strawberry.

Simple Syrup (it’s really very simple!)

INGREDIENTS

Simple syrup is one part water, one part sugar so it can be adapted to any quantity.  For 1/2 cup of syrup you’ll need:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan, add sugar and water and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Stir sugar until it dissolves.  Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool before using.  Syrup can be stored in the fridge for a few days.  Extra syrup can be used in a number of other cocktail recipes