Strawberry Sorbet with Blueberry Syrup

Strawberry Sorbet

1 C simple syrup*
4 C fresh sliced strawberries (approx. 1 1/2 lbs.)
2 T vodka (optional, but vodka produces a soft less icy sorbet)
1 T reduced Fustini's Sicilian Lemon Balsamic Vinegar**

In a blender, puree the strawberries, simple syrup, vodka and Sicilian Lemon Balsamic Vinegar until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until cool. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours. 

*To make the simple syrup, combine 1 1/2 C sugar with 1 1/2 C water. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool or refrigerate. You will use this for both the sorbet and the topping.

**To get the reduced vinegar, pour 1/2 C vinegar into a small saucepan. Simmer on low until reduced in half to 1/4 C. Set aside to cool or refrigerate. You will use the Sicilian Lemon Balsamic for both the sorbet and the topping.

Blueberry Syrup

1/2 C simple syrup (from above)
1/4 C reduced Fustini's Wild Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar
1 t reduced Sicilian Lemon Balsamic Vinegar (from above)

2 pints fresh blueberries

In a bowl thoroughly mix all the liquids together.

To Serve:
Scoop the sorbet out into serving bowls. Spoon fresh blueberries over the top. Drizzle the Blueberry Syrup over the berries and sorbet. Serve.

Here's a link to Fustini's: http://www.fustinis.com

Fresh Strawberries, Raspberries and Blueberries in Orange Liqueur

I was at the Royal Oak Farmers Market recently. It's an excellent market with lots to look at, think about, sample and buy. I bought some veggies, fruit, wild Alaskan salmon (for my husband) and a beautiful succulent plant arrangement for my kitchen. It's a fun way to spend a morning.

When I got home, I put the fruit together with some sugar and orange liqueur. It made a really quick, fresh dessert that we all enjoyed. In fact, I've made twice since. We tried the fruit compote with three different sorbets and thought mango was the perfect compliment. Enjoy!

Fresh Strawberries, Raspberries and Blueberries in Orange Liqueur with Sorbet
Serves 4

1 half pint raspberries
1 C strawberries
1 C blueberries
3 T sugar
2 T orange liqueur
zest of 1/2 lemon
Sorbet

With the back of a fork, lightly mash half of the raspberries and strawberries to get the juices flowing. Add the blueberries and mix together. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, liqueur and zest of the lemon. Pour the mixture over the berries and gently stir to combine. Cover and let sit until ready to serve.

A Fresh Mimosa

When my husband and I were in Chicago we went out for breakfast and I ordered a mimosa. It reminded me just how much I truly enjoy this drink on an occasion. When I make it, I use freshly squeezed orange juice, a dry sparkling wine (Mumm Napa is good for this) and float Grand Marnier on top. Then I serve it with a strawberry on the side of the glass.

Fresh Mimosa
Makes 1
 
3 parts of your favorite sparkling white
1 part fresh orange juice
1 T of Grand Marnier 
Strawberries for garnish

Note: The pic is not mine.

Breakfast Berry Smoothie

No matter how hard I try, I'm usually late getting out the door in the morning. I've tried all kinds of healthy fiber-filled breakfasts and it seems I always go back to smoothies. In an earlier post, I talked about the nutritional benefits of strawberries. Now I'd like to spend a little time on flax seed.

The following information on flaxseed is taken from the Mayo Clinic website. It explains the benefits of ground flaxseed in greater detail than I ever could.

"Most nutrition experts recommend ground flaxseed because your body is better able to digest it. Whole flaxseed may pass through your intestine undigested, which means you won't get all the health benefits.

Flaxseed is high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals called lignans. Flaxseed is commonly used as a laxative (to improve digestive health or relieve constipation). Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used to help reduce total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels and, as a result, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Although flaxseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, it doesn't have the beneficial fiber that the seeds have."

This recipe can't be beat. It's quick, easy and halleluiah, it gets me to work on time!


Breakfast Berry Smoothie

Makes 1 large glass

1/2 C unsweetened almond milk

1 C fresh strawberries, cleaned and cut in half
1/2 C fresh raspberries

1/2 banana

1 T ground flax seed

1/2 C ice

Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Cold Busting Pineapple Juice

 I've had a juicer for nearly a year. I'm not an enthusiastic user, but whenever I make fresh juice I'm reminded just how much I love having this gadget in my kitchen. Recently I had a cold and I was feeling terrible for days never really making any progress, so I decided to try juicing. I made this juice once or twice a day. I know it made a difference in how quickly I recovered. 

There are only three ingredients in this recipe and all are helpful when you're feeling under the weather. Pineapple is a good source of Vitamin C and it fights bacterial and viral infections. Navel oranges are also high in vitamin C and strawberries surprisingly have higher levels of vitamin C and potassium than oranges. All of these fruits will give your immune system a boost, and juiced together they are delicious.

Cold Busting Pineapple Juice

Makes 1 large glass   

1 pineapple  (don't juice the core)

1 navel orange, peeled but leaving some of the white pith on

1 C fresh strawberries, cleaned and cut in half

Juice the pineapple, orange and strawberries. Stir, pour into a glass and enjoy!