It’s hard to pick which type of berries are my favorite.. they are all sooo delicious. But when the first Spring strawberries make their appearance at farmers markets and grocery stores, it’s definitely a reason to celebrate.
strawberries
I decided to give you two ways to celebrate those first strawberries of the season…. because I couldn’t pick just one!!
Both recipes are easy to create, and both will delight you and your guests.  The Lemon Curd recipe is one of the first desserts I learned when I started to cook. It’s easy to find lemon curd in the grocery store, but this one is so much better, and you will feel like a rock star when you make it yourself.
LEMON CURD WITH FRESH STRAWBERRIES
(Makes about 2 cups)

Ingredients:
6 egg yolks
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/2 stick butter, cut into slices
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups washed strawberries

ingred lemon curd2

Add 1-inch of water to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.

In a medium metal bowl whisk the egg yolks and sugar for about 2 minutes until smooth. Whisk in the lemon juice and zest until combined.

lemon curd whisking

Place the mixing bowl on top of saucepan (the bowl should be wide enough to fit on top of the saucepan, but shouldn’t be touching the simmering water).
Stir the mixture constantly with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl as you stir, until it begins to thicken, and will coat the back of a spoon. This will take approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Whisk in the butter, one slice at a time. Wait until each piece almost disappears before adding the next.

Spoon into a bowl and allow to cool with a piece of plastic wrap laidon the surface to prevent skin from forming.

Chill for 30 minutes.

Whip cream to stiff peaks and fold into lemon curd.

Serve in a glass container with fresh berries.

 lemon curd

For my second strawberry recipe I turn to my colleague and friend,  Amy Cotler. I have known Amy for many years. In fact, we both taught catering at the New York Restaurant School . Amy is a farm to table advocate. She is author of the book, blog and radio show, The Locavore Way: Discover and Enjoy the Pleasure of Locally Grown Food, all guides to seeking out and savoring local farm-fresh food. And have I mentioned yet that she makes a superb strawberry shortcake??
strawberry-shortcake
CLICK HERE to enter Amy’s world and treat yourself to her sweet rendition of the classic shortcake. Of course after you try it you will probably want to learn more about Amy. Luckily, you can visit her at http://www.locavoreway.com or locavoreway on facebook or twitter.
Happy Spring!!!
Stay tuned for the next part of my adventures to South America. Can’t wait to tell you about Machu Picchu and the incredible food we ate in Peru.