Strawberries!

I have been dreaming about picking(read eatting) strawberries ever since we picked them last year. Picking strawberries are a sweet slice of midwest life for me. I remember picking with my grandparents when I was younger. This was a chore I couldn't wait for, spending the morning in the sun, red stained fingers and lips, and eatting almost as much as I picked. Then we washed those little rubies in grandmas old metal wash pans outside and she would make us a fresh strawberry pie.
So my plans for what I will make with my little gems are already forming in my head. Last year, I made Strawberry-Basil Jam, most of which went in Christmas gifts, but this year I don't know that I can part with all those gorgeous jars of sweetness.

Here are some ideas for preserving this little slice of summer.
Strawberry-Rhubarb jam
Strawberry Syrup
Strawberry-Basil Jam
Strawberry pureed cubes
Homemade Strawberry Ice cream

Tips
Picking

• Look under leaves for berries
• Pick fully ripe berries, any size
• Handle berries gently
• Don't pile berries too high

Care

• Protect berries from sun and heat
• Refrigerate berries loosely covered
• Don't wash until ready to use
• Strawberries generally keep for 2 to 3 days (if you can resist them)

Have fun picking!