Strawberry Jam

It's been a lovely season for strawberries in the Fraser Valley and I've been making everything I can think of with the strawberries we picked at Krause Berry Farms, today was Strawberry Jam. 

I invited some dear friends, Sue & Amanda to join me in jam making - it's always so much more fun to do things like this with other people! All three of us have twins around a similar age, so they all played wonderfully in the rec room while we worked hard in the kitchen.

Every time I make jam I'm always surprised that it's not as hard as it seems. Sure there's some prep work to be done and you need to have all the tools ready and sanitized, but once I get going it really only takes me 1/2 hour to make a batch. So for anyone else overwhelmed by the idea of making jam - it's really not that hard, just give it a try for delicious jam. The best part is that you know exactly what's in it and it always tastes better homemade!

We used the Bernardin Pectin Classic Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe.

Strawberries from Krause Berry Farms

Mashed Strawberries

We cooked the Strawberries, lemon juice & Pectin, then added the sugar (I used 1 less cup of sugar) and boiled again.

Poured the jam into jars, put the lids on, and "canned" them in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Finished product (always happy to hear those lids popping!)

Who can resist a warm loaf of homemade bread with freshly made jam!

Yummy!

Hope this inspires you to pick some fresh berries or fruit and make your own homemade jam!

~Adel~

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No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Today we went to one of our local U-Pick berry places, Krause Berry Farms in Aldergrove, BC to pick Strawberries. The beautiful berries inspired me to make a strawberry version of an cheesecake recipe that my mom used to make.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

2 cups Graham Crumbs (crushed graham crackers)

1/2 cup Butter, melted

2 - pkg Cream Cheese

1 cup Icing Sugar

1 pkg Dream Whip

1/4 cup Whipping Cream

5 cups Fresh Strawberries, Sliced and 1 cup mashed

3/4 cup Water

3/4 cup Sugar

1/4 cup Cornstarch

1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

1/8 tsp Salt

In a bowl, Mix the graham crumbs and melted butter. Spread in a greased 9 x 13" pan and let set in the fridge.

Mix cream cheese, icing sugar, dream whip and whipping cream together with a beater until fluffy. Spread very carefully and evenly over the crumb layer. Cool in the fridge for at least 1 hour before adding the topping.

While the bottom layers are cooling, mash 1 cup of berries. Add mashed berries with water, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and salt to a sauce pan. Bring to a boil until the sauce becomes translucent. Add remaining fresh sliced berries. Let cool before pouring over cream cheese layer.

Cool whole dessert for at least an hour (overnight is even better) before cutting and serving.

Mmmm...Strawberries!

~Adel~

Strawberry Sangria

TGIF! 

This has probably been a tough week for many of my friends with teachers striking and all the juggling that has had to happen - so here's a little treat for all of you parents who've stressed this week with what to do with your kids & the teachers walking the picket lines out there! (and the rest of us too)

Strawberry Sangria

6 Strawberries, sliced

1 Tbsp Sugar

4 oz Rose Wine

1 oz Peach Liqueur

Lemon Lime or Club Soda

Ice

In a wine glass, muddle strawberries and sugar. Add wine, liqueur. Mix well and add ice and soda as desired.

Now put your feet up and enjoy this perfect summer Friday afternoon drink!

~Adel~

Strawberry Tiramisu

It's strawberry season and time to dig out all those fabulous strawberry recipes! 

I decided to make a Tiramisu with a layer of strawberries and a few adjustments (I'm not a fan of the raw eggs), something I made for Daddy Ladybug for a Valentines Day dessert ages ago when we were dating.

Strawberry Tiramisu

2-3 cups fresh Strawberries

2 cups Mascarpone Cheese

2 cups Whipping Cream

1 Tbsp Sugar

1 tsp Vanilla

3 Tbsp Coffee Liqueur

Ladyfingers (enough for 2 layers in your desired dish), I used 36

3 cups Hot Water

4 tsp Instant Espresso Powder

Cocoa Powder (for garnish)

In a shallow bowl, combine hot water and espresso powder, allow to cool while assembling the other layers. Slice strawberries, leaving a few unsliced for garnish, set aside. In a large bowl, whip cream, sugar, vanilla and coffee liqueur until it forms soft peaks. Add mascarpone and mix well, set aside. 

Now to assemble: Dip Ladyfingers (both sides) in coffee mixture and create a layer on the bottom of your serving dish. Top with 1/2 cheese & cream mixture and spread evenly. Add a layer of sliced strawberries, another layer of dipped Ladyfingers and the remaining layer of cheesy and cream. Dust top with cocoa powder and garnish with strawberries.

Let cool in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Delicious light and fresh dessert, perfect for entertaining or celebrating something special.

~Adel~