Our mom has had posted on the refrigerator since we were little a phrase that says, "When summer doesn't mean a change of pace, life has become too busy!" I think of that phrase often during this time of year, and as our lives have gotten more full with new babies, new puppies and new houses, it is even more important to slow down, take a deep breath and...go strawberry picking! There is something about the sweet smell of freshly picked strawberries that rejuvenates the soul.
Although it is great to get out and pick these little gems of yumminess, it can be a bit daunting when you get home and see all these berries stacked on the counter. What in the world does one do with all of these?!?! Second only to making jam, I love to make strawberry bread. It is delicious served warm, freezes well and takes about five minutes to put together.
What you'll need:
1 1/4 cup mashed strawberries
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. I try to use freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon whenever possible. The smell alone is amazing, and I think the fresh stuff really does taste better!
Next, mash the strawberries. I have found that 2 cups of strawberries will yield roughly 1 1/4 cup smashed berries.
Create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the strawberries.
Whisk together the eggs and oil. Pour into well. Whisk all ingredients together.
Pour batter into a buttered bread pan.
Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.
Enjoy!
I get two loaves out of this recipe. I keep one for me and give one away! An easy way to brighten someone's day. Make a second batch to freeze. You'll have it on hand when someone pops over during the lazy days of summer...