The colour red is popularly celebrated during Valentine’s Day as it is believed to symbolise love and passion. To this effect, red roses, red attire, and even red foods are common themes of this romance-filled day. And what better food to represent love than the bright red and tantalising strawberry? This juicy berry’s connection to love dates back to ancient times; in Roman mythology, it was regarded as an emblem of Venus, the goddess of love.
In modern times, the strawberry is believed to be a potent aphrodisiac. Being packed with zinc as well as antioxidants, it is known to help stimulate one’s senses, fueling passion and romance. As an added bonus, the strawberry is highly versatile, pairing well with a plethora of flavours, including chocolate, cheese, and vanilla. Here are six easy-to-make strawberry-based desserts you can surprise your loved ones with this Valentine’s Day.
Chocolate-Coated Strawberries
This divine concoction unites the classic flavours of chocolate and strawberry, making for a highly luscious and delectable dessert. Comprising only two primary ingredients—chocolate and strawberries—these bite-sized treats can be prepared quickly and easily. Melt your chocolate in a pan and stir it till it is completely smooth. Then, take your fresh strawberries, and one-by-one, dip them into the melted chocolate. Garnish them with toppings if you wish, such as sprinkles or cookie crumbs, and set them aside for cooling.
Creamed-Filled Strawberries
This innovative and visually striking dessert calls for a mascarpone cheese filling. To prepare this unique treat, an “X” is cut into the bottom of each strawberry; this “X” serves as an entry point through which the rich filling is inserted into the strawberries using a piping bag. The filling itself blends various ingredients, including mascarpone cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Ensure to cool this mixture for several hours before piping into the strawberries to imbue the dessert with the best and most invigorating flavour.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Like chocolate and strawberry, strawberry and cheese too, is a refreshingly delightful combination. To craft a crumbly base for your cheesecake, push crushed biscuits of your choice at the bottom of a spring foam pan. Cover this crispy bottom layer with your scrumptious strawberry and cream cheese concoction, and refrigerate the mixture till it has assumed a set shape and become sturdy. Top off the cake with your preferred garnishing, including fresh berries or chocolate drizzle; your moist and creamy cake is ready to serve!
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Strawberry Fudge
This mouthwatering two-ingredient sweet dish incorporates the tartness of strawberry with the sweetness of white chocolate. Start preparing the dish by lining a baking pan with parchment paper. Then, heat the white chocolate chips for about one minute till they have completely melted, creating the super silky and melt-in-the-mouth base of the fudge. Subsequently, introduce creamy strawberry frosting to the chocolate chips to prepare the fudge batter. Spread the batter into the pan, refrigerate it for about twenty minutes till set, and then slice and savour the eye-catching pink-coloured treats!
Strawberry Trifle
Oozing with exhilarating flavours, this no-fuss dessert can be made in three steps. Ingredients needed include sponge cake, which can be store-bought, as well as store-bought vanilla pudding mix. Additionally, you’ll need sliced bananas, frozen strawberries, frozen whipped cream, and milk. Begin by whisking the pudding and milk in a bowl for about two minutes; then, start layering the trifle with the sponge cake at the bottom, followed by the pudding, the bananas, the strawberries, and lastly, the whipped cream. Refrigerate the trifle for a few hours before serving.
Image Credits: iStock
Strawberry Jam
Surprise your loved one with a succulent breakfast in bed featuring toast with strawberry jam. Strawberry jam can also be used in a host of other desserts, such as cupcakes, brownies, and more, making it a multipurpose sweet dish; it also makes a thoughtful present for Valentine’s Day. You only need three ingredients for this flavour-packed jam—strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. In a saucepan, combine these ingredients till they form a thick and bubbling mixture. Subsequently, place the jam in jars and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the jam for storing purposes.