Stepping into the forest is magic. You leave the man-made world and your busy life behind as nature greets your senses. Branches creaking, leaves crunching underfoot, wind whistling in the treetops. The chattering of squirrels, birds singing, insects churring. “Is that you, mama bear?” A lilting scent carried on the breeze, perhaps it’s honeysuckle? Walk down a pine needle path and enjoy the fragrance of summer.
Ripe, sweet strawberries are one of my favorite gifts of the season. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey created a winning combination when he paired them with fresh cream. The cardinal served them at a banquet during the reign of King Henry VIII in 1509 and it became the dessert of choice for the tennis matches he hosted at Hampton Court Palace.
As a little boy my husband went out strawberry picking with his grampa. He ate so many from the basket that his ears turned red (or so the story goes). It can be difficult even for adults to keep from sampling the juiciest berries in the field.
Keep it simple to let the fresh flavors shine: whip up some heavy cream, add a little confectioner’s sugar and vanilla and pour over fresh strawberries. Enjoy the taste of summer!