strawberry

Classic Strawberry Fluff

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Sometimes something light and refreshing is just what I need. I have come to love an old classic again. Gelatin salads, or fluffs (that have whipped cream), were very popular when I was young but have seemed to lose popularity over the years. The title of salad is a loose one. A gelatin salad generally has some fruit, but gelatin is definitely the star. They are one of the easiest ways to have a summer (or anytime) dessert without the oven. This recipe is a fluff, which I prefer. It is just the perfect little treat at the end of the day.  

I have tried lots of variations of lots of recipes during these hot summer months, and this one is definitely my family’s favorite. My father-in-law even said he was hoping I’d have some when we came over for dinner one night…that’s a win in my book!! We all love this gelatin fluff (or salad if it makes you feel better). Call it what you want, but I know you will love it too. ~Kathy

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  • 1 large package (4.6 oz.) Cook and Serve Vanilla Pudding
  • 1 large package (6 oz.) Cherry Jell-O   
  • 2 ½ c. water
  • 12 oz. Cool Whip, thawed 
  • 2 heaping c. strawberries, stems removed and sliced
  • 2 c. mini marshmallows

In a sauce pan, combine dry pudding mix, Jell-O powder, and water over medium heat until it comes to a boil, stirring to ensure all the powder is dissolved and well combined.   

Remove from heat and pour carefully into a large mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to cool slightly. 

Refrigerate until it has thickened (about 4 to 6 hours, but overnight is fine).

Once it has thickened, using a hand mixer beat until smooth and creamy.  

Fold in Cool Whip (one and a half 8 oz. containers).  This may take a couple of minutes to get well incorporated.  

Fold in strawberries and marshmallows.   

Refrigerate until served.

Strawberry Freezer Jam

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My husband’s family is well known for amazing cooks. This recipe is from one of those ladies. Aunt Mary, as she is affectionately known by everyone in the tri-county area, turned 100 years old this year. She is still sharp as a tack and one of the sweetest women you will ever meet. Everyone that knows her loves her. She makes the most delicious treats, and until just the last couple of years, she would always send you home with a sack full of something fabulous. My mother-in-law taught me how to make this jam, and I am not sorry! It tastes so fresh and is so easy to make, you will never buy store bought again. When I say it’s easy to make, I really mean easy to make! Now that strawberries are at their best is the time to make a batch (or two or three)!! ~Kathy

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  • 2 c. strawberries
  • 4 c. sugar
  • 1 c. water
  • 1 box Sure Jell Original Fruit Pectin (1.75 oz)

Wash and remove stems from the strawberries. Place in blender and pulse, leaving a few smaller chunks (a little texture is okay). Measure blended strawberries to reach amount needed. Place in large bowl.  Add sugar.  Mix well.   Stir every few minutes until sugar is completely dissolved.  (This could take up to 45 minutes).  This is important to make sure you do not have grainy jam.  Once the sugar has dissolved, proceed to the next step.

In a medium sauce pan, add water and whisk in pectin. Bring to a boil, and keep at a boil for one minute. Immediately pour into strawberry/sugar mixture. Stir gently just to combine.

Pour into prepared pint jars, leaving a little room in the jar as it will expand a bit as it freezes.  Wipe the rim with a damp cloth; then seal with the lid and ring.

Allow to cool then place in the freezer. Will keep in the freezer for months.

Yield:  About 3 pints

 

 

Limeade Fruit Salad

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I’m a huge fan of fruit salad, but so many have a ton of added ingredients that crank up the calories.  Sometimes simple is best, and the kick of lime makes this beautiful dish a refreshing sweet/tart treat fit for any meal, whether served at your table or, better yet, a picnic blanket.  ~Robin

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Ingredients:
  • 12 oz. strawberries, chopped (this was a whole 16 oz. package weighed after I removed stems and chopped them)
  • 10 oz. pineapple, chopped (about half a pineapple)
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped (Granny Smith is the only apple tart enough, and there’s a nice crispness that works well for varied texture here too.)
  • 5 oz. seedless black grapes (about 25 grapes), halved
  • 1/8 c. sugar
  • 3 limes’ juice (about 6 T.)

Instructions: 

  1. Wash and chop all fruit; combine.
  2. Add sugar, then add the juice of 2 limes, stir well, and taste. Then add a 3rd lime’s juice if you like it more tart.
  3. Chill at least 30 minutes for the sweet and tart flavors to mix well.
  4. Can be chilled overnight as well if you want to make it ahead.

WW Freestyle Info.: 1 cup = 1 point; 1.5 cups = 2 points; 2 cups = 3 points (for green, purple, and blue plans)