My girls and I spent the afternoon at a strawberry patch, picking strawberries with good friends of ours. It was so much fun! We came home with almost 40 lbs of strawberries. I plan on making freezer jam, strawberry pancake syrup, smoothies, popsicles, and strawberry bread.
We started the big job of washing and hulling the strawberries right when we got home. I plan on mashing them up, then putting them in jars to freeze, thanks to
this post I read. (she talks about why she likes to mash them instead of freezing them whole).
I am so happy that I learned this secret to easy hulling from my step mom. All you have to do is poke em' with a straw! You start at the bottom of the strawberry, push the straw up, and the stem and white bit just pop right up! My girls think it is quite fun, & my middle girl wanted to just keep going, even after hulling 10 lbs with me. I said "Wow, honey, you are quite the hard worker" She said "yup, as long as I have gum in my mouth" ??? I guess blowing bubbles while hulling strawberries is her thing.
Have any other ideas of how I can use up these berries? I would love more ideas and recipes if you've got 'em!
This post is linked to:
Tip Me Tuesdays @ The Tip Junkie
Show Off Your Stuff @ FireFlies & Jelly Beans
Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk
Posts
Amy, What a lovely blog you have here. I ADORE your header photo. I have never heard of hulling strawberries this way- fascinating:-). Happy crushing!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this way of hulling strawberries either. I could see my boys having a blast helping with that!
ReplyDeleteThis is genius. Why does everyone not know this? Can't wait to go to the local patch and get my lot for jam and pies now.
ReplyDeleteWill sure be trying the straw. That is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI just picked two gallons a couple of weeks ago and made some pies and preserves. Oh so yummy. I was headed back today to the patch to get more and found out they were done for the season. No more strawberries. So sad...
Oh man, this is a GREAT idea. So smart!! Thank you for sharing! I think I need to make more freezer jam :-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I haven't visited you in awhile! Sorry, haven't had any Procrastinating posts!
ReplyDeleteI'd love for you to join in the party on my new blog, It's A Blog Party!
http://itsablogparty.com/
~Liz
This is such a great idea!! How beautifully the hull comes out of the strawberry. I always end up wasting so much fruit using a knife. And this is a fun way for the kids to do it too, without worrying about cuts or squished strawberries! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've done tons of strawberries in my life, and never have I heard of the straw technique! Gonna have to use that one.
ReplyDeleteI like to freeze strawberries like they come from the freezer section of the store--just slice them up, place in a plastic freezer container with 1/4 c. sugar, and they're good to go. It's the easiest way to freeze them, and when you want them for anything, just thaw them and use them!
thanks for all your comments! this really is a fun way to do it, my oldest daughter loves to nibble the bottom of the hull, she won't let any of the red part go to waste!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip! Genius! Stopping by from Fireflies and Jellybeans Party.
ReplyDelete-Mama E
www.homeandheartsblog.com
Brilliant!!! I'm with your daughter, no strawberry should go to waste no matter how small! Personally, I think a nib is just the perfect size to dip into chocolate!
ReplyDeleteFound you on Tip Junkie!
:)
Great idea!!
ReplyDeleteIf you're still looking for strawberry ideas, this one from one of my fav food bloggers, Deb at Smitten Kitchen is to die for!!
http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/05/strawberry-shortcakes/
I made some Strawberry Freezer topping with my extra toppings. We use it on crepes, waffles, or desserts.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link.
http://colorfulcravings.blogspot.com/2010/05/freezer-friday.html
Tamber
Great idea! Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteAbigail @ Raising Camelot
i did this when i made my jam this year and it was so easy! i didn't photograph it ... so i pinned yours and included it in my happy weekend post!
ReplyDeleteAmy, this is an amazing idea! I'm going to be sharing on my Glamour.com blog on Monday! (I also blog here, at www.sarahjio.com.) Thanks for the tip! xo
ReplyDeleteSheer brilliance!
ReplyDeleteI had an old lady show me how to do this at walmart once when I was in college. My roommate and I were so excited we nearly made our selves sick eating the strawberries :)
ReplyDeleteI once had to cut lots of strawberries in thin slices for cocktails and chocolate-moose. I ended up cutting them with that wire thing you cut boiled eggs with. It worked like a charm!
ReplyDeletePut a little shave of dark chocolate in the now hollow strawberry. Pop in the broiler for a tiny bit, just enough to melt the chocolate. Inhale them. Totally addictive and delicious.
ReplyDeleteStrawberry bread?????? Do tell. please.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant!
ReplyDelete