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Strawberry Peach Galette
A galette in French, a crostata in Italian, use either name to refer to this rustic pocket of strawberries and peaches. Where tarts and pies assume the form of their pan, the galette takes shape as you pleat and fold thinly rolled dough around its filling. As it bakes in the oven, the crust will become flaky, the fruit will bubble, and some may even nestle into a buttery fold or spill over the side. Not to worry. Neither a galette nor a crostata will be ruined by a bit of bubbling strawberry juice that escapes. If you peek through the oven door, you might even catch these little eruptions.…
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Pink Pepper Berry
When you’re in the mood for refreshing berry flavor with a hint of spice, turn to the Pink Pepper Berry, which can be made as a non-alcoholic drink or cocktail. Unlike other peppercorns, the pink variety are actually berries, making them a fitting addition in the form of an infused simple syrup. Fresh strawberry puree lends the majority of the berry flavor, with tarragon and a squeeze of lime adding the right balance. Since friends and family who don’t imbibe aren’t often treated to individual pours, break out a set of bar tools to make the scene festive. Just keep track of which set is for which version. If you…
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Strawberry Muffins
Cherished as a herald of summer, ripe local strawberries have long been a sign of the changing season. Their stains often match the deep pink color of evening sky outside the window while I bake. If you head outside on the right June evening, that sky will also feature the year’s Strawberry Moon, so-named by the Algonquin tribes who used the month’s full moon as a sign to gather plump wild strawberries. Enjoy the spectacle with one of these treats in hand, and eat one again the next morning. Every strawberry season needs a standout recipe that justifies another haul of fresh berries. Ingredients 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries 1…
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Summer Bruschetta
As we head into summer, everything takes sweeter and brighter. Now is the perfect time for bruschetta, simply dressed toasts that highlight the chopped produce piled on top. Classic bruschetta features chopped tomatoes, garlic, and basil, but I take it one step further by adding strawberries into the mix. Marinated with the rest of the ingredients, they contribute sweetness without lending a strong strawberry flavor. This is a savory appetizer, so don’t let the berries fool you into serving it for dessert. If you serve this bruschetta without mentioning the strawberries, you will find guests asking where you found such deliciously sweet tomatoes. Rather than highlighting the contrast between the…
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Roasted Strawberry and Black Sesame Granola Bars
Most granola bar recipes call for dried fruit, but I prefer roasted berries as they become jam-like when baked in an oat mixture. Instead of cooking them down into a full jam, toss fresh strawberries with a small amount of sugar and allow their natural flavor to concentrate in the oven. Beyond adding flavor to the granola, the thickened berry juice partners with honey to help the ingredients stick together so that they can easily be cut into bars after baking. When strawberries are in season, this is a breakfast or snack that helps to make use of berries that are past their peak or overripe. In place of poppy…
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