Macerated Strawberries - It's What's for Dessert!

When I get one of my uncharacteristic urges for something sweet and "desserty," I immediately go to fruit. Delicious and satisfying, slightly macerated strawberries are the perfect healthy dessert, whether you eat them plain, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, or spooned over ice cream, plain Greek yogurt, or angel-food cake (Noah's favorite!).

Actually, this really isn't cooking, as the preparation could not be easier.  Just rinse, trim, and quarter 1 pound of fresh strawberries.

Then drizzle just the tiniest bit of maple syrup over the top (about 1 tablespoon), squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice (again, about 1 tablespoon) and garnish with fresh mint.  Most macerated fruit recipes call for significantly more sugar, which makes for a much sweeter, softer, and saucier dessert, but I really like this fresh, more naturally sweet whole fruit version, plus I've never been fond of overly sweet desserts.

I love the strawberries just like this, while Noah adores them over angel-food cake or spooned into breakfast smoothies. 

Ingredients/Recipe:

1 lb. fresh strawberries

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

A few sprigs of fresh mint

Clean, trim, and quarter 1 lb. of fresh strawberries.  Add maple syrup and lemon juice, and toss gently. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh mint and serve your favorite way.