Our Favorite Strawberry Recipes

Now's the time to get in on the pleasure of eating glorious red, ripe, sweetstrawberrieswith every meal.

Swirl strawberries into breakfastsmoothies, toss them into lunchtimesalads, or cook them down to make a sauce to cut through the richness of a grilledsteak dinner. Incorporate their flavor and gorgeous color intococktailsor showcase these beloved berries — (wait,are they even berries?) — in acheese and fruit pairing.

Strawberries lend their acidity, and sweet and sour notes to salty,sharp cheeses, such as aged Parmesan, and are a perfect sidekick tocreamy clotted cream.

In short, strawberries are superb fruits that shine for their versatility, beauty, and deliciousness — and health benefits, too. One cup of medium strawberries (about eight berries) comprises your daily requirement of vitamin C and contains 3 grams of fiber.

And here's a tip for hulling strawberries (aka removing the leafy green tops) that preserves more fruit than slicing them with a paring knife: Insert a drinking straw through the bottom of the berry and gently drive it through to the top. This will cause the green to pop right off!

Here are eight easy strawberry recipes to maximize the beauty and sweetness of this quintessential springtime fruit.