Will the Real Strawberry Please Stand Up

Do not wash them until you are ready to eat them since they are highly susceptible to mold. Store them in your refrigerator in a container, in a single layer on dry paper towels.

Strawberries are high in Vitamin C and folate, and provide some potassium and iron. Plus, one whole cup of strawberries only has 55 calories.

My favorite way of eating strawberries is by simply dipping them in homemade whipped cream. Never made homemade whipped cream? Shame on you! It's so easy and tastes so much better than the canned.

First, refrigerate the cream and stainless steel bowl, as this will facilitate greater volume. You must use heavy cream as well. Pour the cream into the bowl and begin whisking.

Be patient, it will eventually come together. When it reaches the soft peak stage, (a loose coagulation), begin adding sugar and a little vanilla extract. Continue whisking, tasting intermittently for additional sugar and/or vanilla, until a firm whipped cream is produced.

Don't over-whisk or it will become grainy and lumpy. Dip the strawberries in the cream and taste a little bit of heaven.

Another classic strawberry presentation is in a salad with balsamic vinegar. Yes I know it sounds like a strange union but believe me, it tastes great. Mix one quart of sliced strawberries with one to two teaspoons of balsamic vinegar and sugar to taste. Then add chopped mint leaves.

This is a simple, elegant, and very tasty dessert. Low in calories and perfect for summer. Now for something more elaborate.

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB CRISP

It won't make you sick, cure anything that ails you, make you a better lover, or incite people to behead you. But your taste buds will be very happy.

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