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All set up and ready to shoot! Do you spy the Gooseberry Patch display behind me? Spencer Farm is the biggest GP retailer I have ever been to!
I had a great time today on the Fox59 WXIN Morning News with Sherman Burdette LIVE from Spencer Berry Farm in Noblesville, Indiana. I learned more than I ever knew about strawberries and I thought I knew a lot. They currently grow at least 4 varieties of berry that are ripe for the picking. Literally. It is peak picking now and the window may last only another 10 days (depending on the weather).
Simple, easy and delicious
I shared 2 quick, easy and flavorful recipes that showcased natures bounty- the strawberry. The first was a sweet recipe take on the stuffed strawberry. This recipe has been floating around the internet for years and could not be more simple. Get the taste of a strawberry cheesecake in one tasty, portion controlled bite. Top with some crushed graham cracker and these pop and go treats are perfect for entertaining. If you really want to spice it up dip the bottoms in chocolate. See this great post from Zestuous to see what I mean ????
This is before the drizzle of Balsamic
Next I made a savory crostini that combines the smooth sweetness of cream cheese with Chobani Greek yogurt, a touch of powdered sugar and…BACON! Top it with thinly sliced strawberries, freshly sliced basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction and sit back and watch the reaction of your guests. This appetizer is a slam dunk. It’s also gone. Between all of us we ate it all!
Watch our segment together here:
Bacon. Need I say more?
Ingredients
- 1 6 ounce container plain Chobani Greek yogurt
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 5 slices bacon, cooked, drained and chopped
- 2 TB powdered sugar
- thick slices French bread, toasted (optional)
- 1 16-ounce container strawberries, cut into thick slices, about 2C
- Prepared balsamic reduction whether store bought or DIY
- 2-4 TB chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine yogurt and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add bacon and powdered sugar, stirring until combined.
- Spread yogurt mixture evenly over toasted bread slices.
- Top each evenly with sliced strawberries.
- Sprinkle each with basil, and drizzle with balsamic reduction.
- Serve immediately.
This fake out dessert satisfies your cheesecake cravings. If you really want to be fancy dip bottoms in melted chocolate!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries, clean and dry
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Graham cracker crumbs, optional
Instructions
- With a paring knife, cut off the top of the strawberry just under the stem.
- Cut around the inside of the strawberry, hollowing out just a bit and creating an area for the filling.
- Cut off a small portion of the pointy strawberry tip, so that each strawberry can stand.
- Place each on a large serving dish.
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Place mixture in a pastry bag (using any small tip) and pipe into each strawberry, adding a little extra to the top. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top of each strawberry if desired.
