Sweet Local Strawberries As spring changes into summer, it’s a great time to enjoy the fresh ingredients available at your local grocery stores, on-farm markets and farmers’ markets. Ontario strawberries are now available year-round. Look for field strawberries from May to October and greenhouse strawberries from January to June and October to December. Enjoy this refreshing drink on a warm day. Strawberry Rhubarb Slushie is the perfect combination of fresh local strawberries and rhubarb. Everyone will like this easy to prepare Strawberry Maple Yogurt Bark. A great snack for anytime of the day. You can easily change this recipe and use blueberries or raspberries as they come into season and enjoy the bark throughout the summer months. Strawberry Cobb Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing is the perfect meal. This twist on Cobb salad is a tasty combination of lettuce, strawberries, chicken, Gouda cheese, tomatoes, onion, eggs and bacon. Drizzle with a sweet Ontario maple dressing. Your family will love a slice of delicious Strawberry Chocolate No-Cook Dessert. You can prepare this refrigerated dessert in less than 30 minutes by layering chocolate wafers, sliced Ontario strawberries and whipping cream. Place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. When shopping during COVID-19 we know that our food buying, and cooking is different right now. Shop safely and be prepared before you grocery shop. Prepare a list of what you need and buy what you need for the week. Visit foodlandontario.ca to find more quick and easy recipes you can make with food you can find in your fridge, freezer or pantry. Think local, shop local and cook delicious local ingredients. Enjoy! During the upcoming weeks, the Town Crier will feature the recipes for the above mentioned dishes, starting with Strawberry Rhubarb Slushi. We hope you enjoy them! Strawberry Rhubarb Slushie This delicious fruit slushie, made from a classic pairing of strawberries and rhubarb, will cool you nicely on a hot summer’s day. Preparation Time: 20 minutesCooking Time: 15 minutesServes 8 2 cups (500 mL) chopped Ontario Rhubarb1 cup (250 mL) water1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar4 cups (1 L) sliced Ontario Strawberries8 cups (2 L) ice cubes8 Ontario Strawberries In large saucepan, combine rhubarb and water. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, until rhubarb is softened. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Transfer to medium glass bowl and cool. (Makes 2 cups/500 mL). In blender, combine 2 cups (500 mL) of the sliced strawberries, 1 cup (250 mL) of the cooked rhubarb mixture and 4 cups (1 L) of the ice cubes. Blend together, pulsing until smooth. Serve immediately in chilled glasses. Garnish each with a strawberry. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Variations Popsicles: Pour mixture into popsicle molds; freeze until solid. Smoothie: In blender, purée 1 cup (250 mL) sliced strawberries, 2/3 cup (150 mL) Greek vanilla yogurt and 1/2 cup (125 mL) cooked rhubarb mixture until smooth. Makes about 2 cups (500 mL). Nutritional Information:1 ServingPROTEIN: 1 gramFAT: 0 gramsCARBOHYDRATE: 23 gramsCALORIES: 94FIBRE: 3 gramsSODIUM: 0 mg – Printed with permission from Foodland Ontario
Sweet Local Strawberries
