Strawberries are in season! Packed full of vitamin C and antioxidants, this seed-speckled little fruit is actually a member of the rose family. The seeds, oddly enough, are not seeds at all — they’re dried fruits called achene, which have their own seeds. Strawberries grow best in loamy soil (stocked with sand, silt and some clay), and like to run, so they need plenty of space and should be planted in either late fall or early spring. Of the three main categories of strawberries — Day-Neutral, Ever-Bearer and June-Bearer — June-Bearers tend to offer the best results for home gardeners.
FROZEN STRAWBERRY GOAT YOGURT
makes 2 quarts
Noble Springs Dairy goat milk yogurt was used for this recipe and can be found at many Nashville Farmers Markets. It is perfect for lactose-intolerant lovers of ice cream. Rich in probiotics, goat yogurt assists in the digestion process and keeping a healthy gut.
Ingredients
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 cups goat milk yogurt
• 1 teaspoon corn starch
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fruit pectin
• ½ cup strawberry puree
• 1 cup chopped strawberries
Directions
Heat coconut milk with sugar on low heat. Stir occasionally until sugar is dissolved and chill. Meanwhile, mix together goat yogurt (reserving 2 teaspoons), powdered sugar, vanilla extract, fruit pectin and strawberry puree. In separate bowl, thoroughly blend cornstarch and reserved yogurt. Add to goat yogurt mixture. Stir in the coconut/sugar mixture thoroughly. Using an ice cream freezer, freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: This recipe is best served immediately due to the moisture content and a low fat content. Introducing alcohol, pectin and cornstarch results in a creamy texture. In this case vanilla extract was used for the alcohol, but can be substituted by vodka or any other preferred liquor. If there is a need to make ahead of time, limit freezing time to four hours.
THE WOODLAND WINE MERCHANT PAIRING BY WILL MOTLEY:
Sommariva Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene
Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene is the name given to the finest Prosecco wines made in the Veneto wine region. Several generations of the Sommariva family have farmed the hillside vines in this area and make a classic, elegant Prosecco that is beautifully aromatic.
Guess what else is in season? Farmers Markets, many of which include farmers selling the most delicious strawberries available. East Nashvillians are lucky to have several Farmers Markets nearby:
The East Nashville Farmers Market
(May 14 to Oct. 29, Wednesdays 3:30-7 p.m.)
S. 20th St. (Shelby Park, near the baseball
diamonds), Nashville, TN 37206
Nashville Farmers Market
(open year round)
900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208
Amqui Station and Visitors Center Farmers Market
(starting June 1, running Sundays
noon to 3 p.m. through October)
301 B Madison St., Madison, TN 37115
Hip Donelson Farmers Market
(starting May 9, 4-7 p.m. Fridays)
2730 Lebanon Rd., Nashville, TN 37214
For a complete listing of Tennessee Farmers Markets visit www.picktnproducts.org.
