Marsala Strawberries
11
Did you know that if you paint small pebbles to look like strawberries and put them around your strawberry plants in the garden, the birds will stay at bay because they will assume that the ripening berries are actually pebbles? This tiny bit of urban gardening wisdom is amongst more green gems on my Pinterest Urban Gardening Board. Directions and tutorial for painting your own strawberry pebbles here. They would also make lovely gifts, party activities, afternoon craft projects or fun home DIY.
The recipe for a lovely salt flecked roasted strawberry compote that I am sharing today is something I like to make every now and then when I gather enough strawberries from my garden. The strawberries need to be small, plump and packed with flavour as opposed to those mass produced big ones. Perfect places to score such berries are either in your own garden (try growing a pot or two, it is very rewarding!) or at your local farms and markets. We have a fruit net over our veggie and fruit patches to keep birds and possums at bay. But I am really loving the pebble painting idea, if not just for the aesthetics of it all.
Enjoy your weekend! and if you haven’t already, do consider casting a vote to get one of my designs printed on a tee or tote bag here! Cheers!
MARSALA STRAWBERRIES
adapted from Supernatural Every Day by Heidi Swanson
A boozy, jammy strawberry sauce made by roasting fresh strawberries in the oven. Small quantity enough to last a week of breakfasts.
Preparation Time – 15 Minutes
Cooking Time – 40 Minutes
Makes – 1/2 cup
Ingredients
250g small strawberries (preferably home grown)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon fruity olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon marsala (or sweet sticky wine)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Method
Pre heat oven to 180C (350F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with baking paper. The rim is important to avoid the juices spilling into the oven during roasting.
Cut strawberries into halves or quarters. Add them into a bowl with the salt, maple syrup, vanilla and oil. Toss gently to coat. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, spread them evenly.
Roast for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and scrape into a bowl. Add the marsala and balsamic. Mix well. Cool and store in an air tight jar in the fridge for a week.
I really love this *.*
Marcello Arena´s last [type] ..Strawberry Upside-down cake
That’s a brilliant tip about the pebbles! I wonder if that works for other berries? Love the pictures!
msihua´s last [type] ..Molecular Mondays at The Aylesbury @ Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
These strawberries sound heavenly, I know I’d spoon them over everything!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)´s last [type] ..honey-butter muffins + grampa’s gourmet honey giveaway
Interesting fact about birds & pebbles. Your recipe sounds delicious, especially with home-grown strawberries.
Gaby´s last [type] ..Review: Xanthi (Sydney CBD)
What wonderful flavors! Perfect with waffles, crepes or pancakes.
Cheers,
Rosa
Beautiful id love this for a week of breakfasts
tania@mykitchenstories.com.au´s last [type] ..Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup
That is a fabulous tip! Birds ate most of my strawberries this year. These sound delicious.
Jen @ Savory Simple´s last [type] ..Boozy Peaches and Cream Milkshake
Love Marsala on fruits specially berries! I am horrible when it comes to gardening .. but love the idea of the pebbles.
Kankana´s last [type] ..Understanding ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed
I can’t wait for strawberry season to come back here but it’s several months yet. They are one of my favourite fruits.
suzanne Perazzini´s last [type] ..Almond, Coconut & Chocolate Chip Cookies – gluten-free
What a great trick! I’ve never heard of the strawberry pebbles but it’s genius.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen´s last [type] ..Goat’s Milk Frozen Yogurt with White Tea Infused Cantaloupe
Thank you so much for the ‘painted pebble’ tip. Have grown at least some of my own strawberries in pots for ages: the fruit may oft look imperfect but has a totally different texture and flavour to the storebought one! Very much like the strawberry sauce idea also
!