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It’s strawberry season! There are few things better than fresh strawberries! But did you know that strawberries are not a true berry? It’s because they do not develop from a single flower nor do have seeds inside. Technically, fruits like bananas, watermelon and even tomatoes are considered true berries. Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside. This fruit is chock full of Vitamin C. Eight strawberries have more Vitamin C than a whole orange. Here is a trivia question for you–what state produces the most strawberries? Read to the end of this paragraph for the answer. There is a reason that strawberries are popular on Valentine’s Day and special events Because the berries are somewhat heart shaped and red, they were considered a symbol of Venus, the Goddess of Love. In ancient Roman times, it was believed that strawberries could ease symptoms of melancholy, fainting, fever and infections.
Did you guess that California is the leading producer of strawberries? California grows about 75 percent of the U.S. crop, with 1 billion pounds produced annually!
If you are looking for a creative way to make a strawberry dessert, try this recipe for Strawberry Lasagna. Imagine the look on your guests’ faces when you tell them you are serving Strawberry Lasagna… One great thing about this recipe is that you won’t have to turn on the oven.
STRAWBERRY
LASAGNA
Makes 12 servings
■ 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
■ 1/2 cup confectioner sugar
■ 8 Tbsp butter, melted
■ 3 8-oz cream cheese, softened
■ 1 cup confectioner sugar
■ 2 tsp vanilla
■ 16 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided
■ 3/4 cup strawberry preserves
■ 3 oz strawberry gelatin
■ 1/3 cup boiling water
■ 1 cup chopped strawberries
■ extra strawberries for garnish, opt.
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup confectioner sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 dish. Place in refrigerator to set. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup confectioner sugar and vanilla until smooth, about 3 minutes. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread Half of the filling over the crust. Then carefully spread the preserves over in an even layer.
Whisk the gelatin in boiling water until dissolved. Add to the remaining filling. Fold in the berries. Spread over the preserves. Then finally, spread the remaining whipped topping over the filling. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with fresh strawberries of desired. Cut into squares to serve.
If you have a recipe to share, please send to [email protected] or mail to Mascoutah Herald, PO Box C, Mascoutah IL 62258. Thanks and Happy Cooking!
