Strawberries

Monday, May 11, 2009



We went strawberry picking last weekend. It was the first time I have taken the kids. I have fond memories of going with my mom when I was a kid. We'd pick pounds and pounds and then have Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Pie, Strawberry Pancakes and make Strawberry Jam. But, I love just eating them dipped in a little powder sugar.

My kids won't eat strawberries (weirdos) but they had a blast picking them. We came home with two buckets full and now I'm searching for recipes. They smell amazing!

Here's one recipe from Women's Day that I will have to try. Sounds delicious!

LEMON POPPY SEED CAKE WITH STRAWBERRIES

INGREDIENTS

White Chocolate Frosting
21⁄2 cups cold heavy cream
6 oz white chocolate, chopped

Cake
21⁄4 cups cake flour
11⁄2 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp poppy seeds
1⁄4 tsp salt
11⁄2 cups sugar
11⁄4 sticks (1⁄2 cup plus 2 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
11⁄2 Tbsp grated lemon zest
2 Tbsp lemon juice
Whites from 3 large eggs plus 1 whole egg
1 cup whole milk
8 Tbsp strawberry jam
1 lb strawberries (reserve 4 small whole berries for garnish), hulled and sliced

PREPARATION

1. Frosting: Pour 1 cup of the cream into a 4-cup glass measure; bring to a simmer in microwave, about 2 minutes; add white chocolate. Let stand 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth; refrigerate while making cake.

2. Cake: Heat the oven to 350°F. Line bottom of two 8 x 2-in. round cake pans with parchment or wax paper; coat pans and paper with nonstick cooking spray.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, poppy seeds and salt. Beat sugar, butter, lemon zest and juice with mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg whites and whole egg until smooth. With mixer on low, alternately beat in flour mixture and milk until incorporated. Continue to beat batter on medium speed for 3 minutes. Divide batter between prepared pans and smooth tops with spatula.

4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a wooden pick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen edge of cakes with knife; invert onto the rack and remove parchment paper. Turn cakes right side up. Cool completely.

5. To finish the frosting: In large bowl, beat chilled white-chocolate mixture with remaining 11⁄2 cups cold cream until stiff peaks form.

6. To assemble cake: With a serrated knife, halve cakes horizontally. Place 1 layer on a serving plate, cut side up; spread with 2 Tbsp of the jam. Spread a scant 2⁄3 cup frosting over jam. Arrange one third of the sliced strawberries evenly over frosting. Top with a second cake layer; spread with another 2 Tbsp jam, frosting and a layer of berries. Repeat with a third layer. Brush the cut side of remaining cake layer with remaining jam and place jam-side down on top. Cover cake with remaining frosting. Decorate with reserved berries.

Aimee said...

We love to go strawberry picking! I never get to make anything out of them though...my kids eat them too fast!

More Than Words said...

Oh, yum!!! I love strawberries too!!!

Now I'm craving for strawberry pie!!! LOL

Laurie said...

Ooh, how fun!! We've been on a strawberry kick around here, too! This is the first year that I've actually liked strawberries, so it's been fun. (My taste buds are still maturing!)

Unknown said...

Love the recipe -- It sounds yummy -- I have a recipe swap going on right now -- you may want to come and link up and share it.

I love strawberries dipped in chocolate.

TFS

Anonymous said...

Oh yummy not good for my wasteline but who cares. I will deffo be trying this soon! Thanks for sharing:)

Stacy Uncorked said...

That sounds YUMMY! Princess Nagger would eat strawberries all day long if I let her... ;) I'll have to give this a try! :)

Banteringblonde said...

I love strawberries! My daughter eats a ton of them every morning!

Xazmin said...

Holy cow that looks good! And so summery...thanks for sharing!

Cristine said...

Chocolate and strawberries is the most perfect for any age gift, the better is to make chocolate covered strawberries is a different and interesting idea for chocolate dip fruits.

Honey Mommy said...

My hubby's favorite cake is strawberry short cake. This one looks just as good!

Jennifer said...

Ugh. I want to come to your house and have some, okay?:-)

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