Enjoy Summer Strawberries Two Ways: Sweet Crepes and Savory Caprese Salad

Strawberries are one of those delightful fruits that manage to encapsulate the essence of summer. Whether you’re biting into one fresh from the vine or enjoying them as part of a dish, strawberries bring a vibrant sweetness to any meal. In this post, we’ll explore two delicious ways to use strawberries: a decadent sweet treat in the form of Strawberry and Cream Crepes and a fresh and savory Strawberry Caprese Salad. Let’s dive in!

Sweet: Strawberry and Cream Crepes

Crepes are a versatile canvas for almost any filling you can imagine. They’re thin, delightful pancakes that can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients. For our sweet creation, we’ll make delightful Strawberry and Cream Crepes. You can either buy frozen, ready-made crepes or whip up a batch from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous.

To start, we need to prepare our filling. One of the most scrumptious options is to combine cream cheese with sugar to taste and a bit of vanilla. Alternatively, Nutella brings an indulgent twist to your crepes.

Next up, the strawberries! Slice them and toss them in a bowl with a sprinkle of sugar, allowing them to macerate for a few minutes. This process will draw out the juices and create a lovely syrup to drizzle over your crepes.

Once the strawberries are ready, lay your crepe flat on a plate, fill it with your chosen concoction, and fold it in quarters.

Now for the fun part—if you’re feeling fancy, you can flambé your crepes! Carefully pour a tablespoon of rum, brandy, or your preferred liquor over the filled crepes and ignite it. Please exercise caution when igniting, and make sure to turn away while the flame burns out. The dramatic flare adds an elegant touch to your dish that’s sure to impress! If that seems a bit too fancy, how about some delicious whipped cream on top of the crepes?

Delicious Strawberry Crepes with Whipped Cream Topping!

Savory: Strawberry Caprese Salad

Now that we’ve satisfied our sweet tooth, let’s move on to a fabulous savory option! The Savory Strawberry Caprese Salad highlights the juiciness of fresh strawberries in a way you might never have thought. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and bursts with flavor. All you need are some strawberries, a log of fresh mozzarella, some fresh basil leaves, and some balsamic glaze (bottled is okay--Aldi makes a great one)!

Begin by selecting ripe, fresh strawberries and gently rinsing them under cool running water. Slice them in half (or quarters if they are large). Next, take a log of fresh mozzarella cheese and slice it into thick rounds, then quarter them.

If you like fresh greens, you can place a few one a plate. Then place the strawberries and mozzarella on the plate, and don’t forget to add some fresh basil leaves. Their aromatic sweetness complements the strawberries perfectly, creating an unbeatable trifecta of flavors.

To finish off this gorgeous salad, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze lightly over the top. This tangy sweetness will enhance the flavors and add a beautiful gloss to the presentation.

Colorful salad with strawberries, mozzarella, and basil

Both of these strawberry dishes bring something unique to the table, whether you’re craving something sweet or savory. The possibilities with strawberries are endless, especially during their peak season!

Conclusion

As you can see, strawberries are incredibly versatile and delicious in both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you choose to indulge in Strawberry and Cream Crepes or opt for the fresh and zesty Savory Strawberry Caprese Salad, your taste buds are in for a real treat. So why not head to your local market, grab some fresh strawberries, and give these delightful recipes a try?

With the beauty and flavor of strawberries gracing your plate, you’re bound to impress your friends and family, and most importantly, enjoy every bite of your creations. Happy cooking!