Strawberries with Honey Lemon Syrup

Sometimes we can overthink our food.  When I came home from the farm yesterday with some fresh strawberries, I wanted to make a simple, healthy, vegetarian dessert.  I thought about the flavors I love with berries and this yummy syrup was born.  Topping it with whipped coconut milk is the best!

Both the basil plants and the strawberries were ready this week at Nicholyn Farms and I couldn’t be more excited! In Canada we’re far behind  this year with our crop schedules because of the unusually cold Spring.  Our berries are just starting when many spots in the US are done with their season.

This is super simple.  Combine your honey (raw if you have it) and lemon juice and mix them with your berries for 20 minutes or so.  Add a few beautiful basil leaves and you’re done.

I remember picking berries at my Grandmother’s house each summer and we would put them in a bowl and smother them with cream and sugar.  This is a very British thing to do and I suppose it was passed down through my Irish ancestors.  It’s absolutely delicious but clearly not the healthy choice.  We added toast smothered in butter to it as well.  The memories of taking my bowl out to the garden each morning with my cousin, Jane, and then sitting down with my grandmother at the breakfast bar for loads of giggles are times I will always treasure.  Perhaps this is why berries are my very favourite food of all.

What do you do with your berries?  Are you making tarts, pies and crumbles?  As you know I’m not really a baker but I’m excited to announce that my friend, Liz, is going to be contributing to the blog.  She has two little children and wants to ensure she’s baking healthy goodies so we’re going to have some fun collaborating.  Can’t wait!

If you’re making something healthy and delicious with your berries, take a pic and share with me on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #simplyfreshdinners .  I love to see the wonderful creations coming from your kitchens.  Cheers!