By Susan Russo of Foodblogga

Is there anything that marks summer’s arrival more deliciously than sweet, succulent strawberries?

When I was growing up the first strawberries of the season were cause for celebration, usually in the form of my mom’s mile-high strawberry shortcake. Once she made that, we knew it was officially summer time.

May-June is peak season for locally grown strawberries throughout most of the country. So now is the time to get to your local farmers’ market or u-pick farm where super juicy, exceptionally sweet vine-ripened strawberries await.

Finding fresh strawberries shouldn’t be too difficult. That’s because in the States we produce about 2 billion pounds of them each year, with nearly 90% grown in California. We have to since 95% of Americans love strawberries. (I’m assuming the other 5% are either allergic to or haven’t tasted a strawberry). Because what’s not to love?

Strawberries are like good guests: they get along with almost everyone. So don’t limit them to confections only, try them in savory dishes as well.

You’ll rise and shine when you smell my fragrant Fresh Strawberry, Almond, and Coconut Muffins. And you’ll want to linger at the breakfast table once you’ve tasted Alexandra’s deliciously sweet-tart Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins. If you’re in the mood for a breakfast scone, look no further than Nicole’s satisfyingly moist Strawberry Sunrise Scones made with orange flavored yogurt. And if you have trouble getting your kids out of bed in the morning, then surprise them with Karina’s playful (and gluten-free) Strawberry-Chocolate Chip Scones. Who wouldn’t get out of bed in a hurry for chocolate?

Salads are instantly sexier with strawberries. Strawberries’ natural sweetness contrasts pleasingly with spicy salad greens, vinaigrettes, and cheeses, such as shaved parmesan or fresh ricotta salata. Take advantage of crisp, fresh sugar snap peas that are currently in season with my light and healthy Arugula, Strawberry, and Sugar Snap Salad. Looking for something a little sultry? Then my Seductive Strawberry Salad made with peppery wild arugula, creamy mangoes, and rich pistachio nuts is your choice.

When it comes to partners, nothing beats strawberries and rhubarb. They’re so good together that June 9th is National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day. So celebrate with Mike’s classic Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie with charming lattice crust. No time to make a pie crust? Then experience the deliciousness of pie with the simplicity of Elise’s comforting Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler. Or try my ridiculously simple and addictive Strawberry-Rhubarb Sponge Pudding.

If strawberries and cream are your pleasure, then these desserts will make you swoon. Mark proves that home-made cakes are infinitely better than store-bought with his beautiful Classic Genoise, while Deeba shows her strawberry love with this artistically inspired Strawberry Chocolate Swiss Roll. One glance at Helen’s stunning Strawberry Puffs with Grand Marnier Mousseline is all it takes to be strawberry smitten.

Simple pleasures are sometimes the best. Just look at Andrea’s summery fresh Canteloupe Strawberry Salad with Lime Syrup and Mint or my Mixed Fresh Berries with Limoncello-Mascarpone Cream. For something effortless yet chic, try Terry B’s Strawberries in Red Wine.

So put your shorts and flip-flops on, and go strawberry picking. Oh, and if you come upon a double strawberry, don’t throw it away. Find that cute guy or gal you’ve been admiring, and share it. According to legend, you’ll fall in love.

For more delectible recipes featuring strawberries, try the FoodieView Recipe Search Engine.

Susan Russo lives in Southern California where she is addicted to local farmers’ markets. She publishes stories, recipes and photos on her cooking blog, Food Blogga, and is a regular contributor to NPR’s Kitchen Window.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 11th, 2008 at 9:33 pm and is filed under Recipe Roundup. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.