How to Make Strawberry Desserts

Strawberries are perfect for desserts but their watery nature requires correct handling. With just a few tips, your precious berries will be ready for inclusion in your favorite recipes. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Find fresh berries. Strawberries will not improve after they are picked so make sure you find the freshest available. Use your nose. Fresh berries smell wonderful. Be sure the berries are plump and firm with only a few white spots. Be sure to check for mold. Check with local growers or groceries to find out when the berries are in season in your area.

2. Bring the berries home and wash them gently in cool water. If you need to store them before use, keep them in an uncovered colander in the refrigerator. When you are ready to use them, trim the green caps and pat the berries dry with a paper towel.

3. Decide how the berries will be used. If you wish to freeze them, freeze them whole in plastic bags or mix them with sugar and place in plastic freezer containers. Make sure they are as dry as possible. If you are going to use them fresh, use the berries as soon as possible.

4. Indulge your sweet tooth. There are a variety of strawberry desserts to choose from to include in your receipe file (See Resources). Try pies, tarts, cookies, pudding, cakes, parfaits or any number of strawberry-based treats. The list is endless

5. Eat strawberries by themselves. They're taste has enough sweetness that all can enjoy this fruit as a simple stand alone dessert.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that strawberries are perishable. Buy only what you can use in a short period of time or plan to freeze them.

• Remove moldy berries immediately. Mold will spread from one berry to another.

Resources

• Assorted strawberry dessert recipes from Kraft Foods
• Any kind of strawberry dessert recipe you can imagine