It’s Strawberry Season at the Salem Farmers Market

We all know strawberries are delicious, but they are also nutritious, and ideally should be a part of everyone's daily diet. You'll enjoy some health advantages by eating strawberries regularly, and the best part is strawberries are one of the most delicious fruits.

The USDA recommends that every American eat at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, but unfortunately, most people don't even come close to that. Adding fresh strawberries to your diet, whether they are in salads, smoothies, or on their own, is a great way to get the servings of fruit you need for a well-rounded body and a healthy immune system.

What's so nutritionally good about strawberries?
Strawberries contain a range of nutrients, with vitamin C heading the group. They also contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. These antioxidant properties are believed to be linked to what makes the strawberry bright red.

So what are these weird free radicals? Free radicals are elements that can damage cells, and they are thought to contribute to the formation of many kinds of cancer.

In addition to vitamin C, strawberries also provide an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Fresh farm, picked Strawberries will offered at the June 16^th Farmers Market from10-2pm.  Stop buy pick up a container or two and try this wonderful Sunday Dinner Dessert.

Strawberry Shortcut Cake

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix (making a one layer cake)
• 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cognac
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin (recommended: Jell-O)
• Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Follow cake directions as written on cake mix box.

Remove from oven and cool cake completely. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine strawberries, cognac and sugar. Let macerate 20 minutes. Invert and release cake onto a decorative platter.

Whip cream with confectioners' sugar and vanilla at medium-high speed until it reaches stiff peaks. Do not over whip.

Mix gelatin as directed on box. Refrigerate gelatin mix but do not let it harden, it should cool to a liquid consistency.

Using a straw, poke holes all over the cake. Pour gelatin into holes and spread over the top of the cake.

Spread layer of macerated strawberries on top of cake. Spread layer of whipped cream on top of the strawberries, making pretty swirls and ripples. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Enjoy!

Stop by and enjoy the Salem NH Farmers Market now open every Sunday from 10-2 hosted by Lake Street Garden Center.

www.salemnhfarmersmarket.com

See you at the market

Jane