#398: The hollow pop of a strawberry plucked from the vine

Reason to be Happy #398:

The hollow pop a perfectly ripe strawberry makes when you pluck it from the vine

My strawberry bed is overflowing with abundance this year! The funny thing is it's the first year I haven't tried to cage or net it against the birds, squirrels, and raccoons. In previous summers, I've watched the squirrels spend hours destroying any protection I created…but this year, they're leaving the strawberries alone. Maybe they just like the challenge? Who knows, but I'm not complaining! Every time I turn around there are more to pick. I love sorting through the leaves, searching for them, like hunting for Easter eggs. I'm making strawberry smoothies, strawberry shortcakes, spinach salad with strawberries, strawberry-basil ice cream, and strawberry-cilantro salsa. And, yes, I've frozen lots and lots of them, as well. Feel free to send me recipes or suggestions. Mae West said, "Too much of a good thing is a good thing," and I couldn't agree more.

This perfect photo was taken by Kevin Superfry, one half of the great team that brings you the blog
Food Adventures with Superfry and the Big Ragu.
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