Strawberries & Shortcake

May 27, 2015
Ashdown, Ark. –

Strawberries are delicious. The average American consumes about 8 pounds of strawberries per year and it is one of America’s most loved fruits. Children and adults both agree that strawberries are their favorite. Each strawberry is packed with healthy nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, fiber and potassium.  One cup of fresh strawberries has over 100% the daily value of vitamin C. Each one cup serving has about 50 calories, 11 g carbohydrate, 3 g dietary fiber, 7 g sugar, 220 mg potassium and 1 g protein.  Potassium is an important nutrient that helps to balance your electrolytes, aids in muscle contractions and helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Foods that are high in potassium and low in sodium may help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. The bright red color of a strawberry indicates that it is loaded with antioxidants that are good for your body!

Try to pack strawberries in your lunch or for your snack while they are in season. Choose fresh berries that are bright red in color and have firm flesh.  The caps of the strawberries should be bright green and fully attached to the berry.  Store strawberries in the refrigerator when you pick them or bring them home. Just before serving, wash the berries and drain the water off. Remove the caps (green stems) before eating. You do not want to wash berries too far in advance because it can cause them to spoil faster and lose quality. When strawberries are not in season, look for frozen strawberries without added sugar.  Many people add frozen strawberries to smoothies. Another tasty way to incorporate strawberries in your diet is to add freshly sliced strawberries to your next salad.

It is best to enjoy fruit fresh without added sugar, but enjoy this strawberry treat in moderation!

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
1 quart strawberries
½ cup honey or sugar
1 recipe shortbread (see below)
2 cups vanilla or plain yogurt

1. Wash, hull and slice the strawberries. Pour the honey or sugar over berries and let them soak in the sweetener for an hour or more at room temperature. Reserve a few perfect berries for decoration.
2. Bake the shortbread recipe below.
3. To assemble, place the bottom shortcake on a serving platter.
4. Pour half of the sweetened strawberries and juice over it. Cover with yogurt, serve about two tablespoons for decorating the top layer and then put on the top layer.
5. Slowly pour on the rest of the strawberries and juice, letting the juice soak into the shortcake. Top with remaining yogurt and decorate with whole reserved berries. Best if served immediately. Makes 6 dessert servings.

SHORTBREAD
1 stick butter or margarine, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg plus 1 egg white
½ cup skim milk
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1. In a food processor bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Drop in butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Pour into a bowl and set aside.
2. In a small bowl blend milk, lemon peel and one whole egg.
3. Pour egg mixture into flour mixture, gently mix to form a soft ball of dough. On a floured surface, divide dough in half. Roll into two 9 inch circles.
4. Prick each circle with a fork. Brush generously with the remaining egg white, beaten. Sprinkle tops with additional sugar.
5. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Assemble shortcake using hot or cold shortbread.

Recipe was adapted from the University of Illinois Extension.

Mark it down on your calendar and plan to join us for the Little Recipe Cooking Club on Monday, June 8^th at 5:30 PM. We will meet at UA Cossatot in Ashdown in the Millwood Room. Bring a friend with you and we will sample a new recipe!

If you would like more information about healthy living, please call the Little River County Extension office at (870) 898-7224 or email cascarborough@uada.edu.  Always feel free to stop by our office at 1411 N Constitution Ave in Ashdown to receive more information. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Research and Extension. The Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
Please like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LittleRiverFCS!

By Celeste Scarborough
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Celeste Scarborough
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
1411 N Constitution Ave Ashdown AR 71822
(870) 898-7224
cascarborough@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.