Foodie Friday: Strawberry Syrup For Pancakes

It is June, dear reader. I am unsure where the time has gone, but I am somewhat startled that it is already June. As we officially welcome the summer season, we also welcome strawberry season. One of the best aspects of summer is the abundance of fresh produce, particularly fresh berries. The signs that appear along our local highways, announcing the arrival of fresh strawberries, are always a sign that summer has begun. Now, I understand that fresh strawberries can be purchased year-round at almost any grocery store nationwide. Still, those large, pale, often flavorless orbs lack the savory-sweet taste and goodness of a fresh, in-season, locally grown strawberry. There simply is no comparison. It's like comparing a fresh, farm-raised, free-range egg to a factory-produced egg. The latter pales (literally) in comparison.

I spent Monday grocery shopping. Unlike most, I enjoy grocery shopping. I love a well-stocked pantry. It makes me feel like I have accomplished a great feat while also taking care of my family. On the way to the grocery store, I saw a large hand-painted sign announcing "Fresh Strawberries 1 Mile" with an arrow pointing down a dirt road. This sign made me smile, and I started thinking about how I could incorporate fresh strawberries into our weekly menu. Yes, there is always strawberry shortcake. It is a delicious treat for sure. However, on my way to the store, I decided to make a fresh strawberry syrup specifically for pancakes. We have a freezer full of fresh, farm-raised sausage that we must eat to make room for any more frozen food. My darling bib-overall-wearing wonder buns has issued a ban on the purchase of all other meats until the sausage, bacon, and bratwurst are consumed.

Making a fresh strawberry syrup is a delicious way to consume fresh berries and breakfast sausage. There is something about the combination of fresh-raised pork with fresh berries that evokes a sense of Anne of Green Gables or Jane Austen. I'm unsure why, but I find it enjoyable. Now, The Bibbed Wonder on the other hand enjoys potatoes with pork. He is quite literally a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. He will occasionally indulge my culinary adventures by eating berries with pork, but it's not his favorite. This week is one of those times when he eats fresh berries with pork without complaint.

Making a berry syrup is so very easy. It takes a bit of focus and requires constant attention, which can be an issue for my ADHD-riddled brain, but it is well worth the effort. Strawberry syrup takes only a few simple ingredients, can be made in under an hour, and will last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Strawberry syrup is wonderful on pancakes; it's a seasonal treat that replaces the usual maple syrup. It is also delicious on ice cream, oatmeal, and yogurt. However, this week's syrup is made just for pancakes because I deemed it so (insert a queenly wave of the hand and a wink).

Strawberry Syrup

Ingredients:

2 Quarts Fresh Strawberries

1/2 Cup White Sugar

1/2 Cup Water

2 tsp. Cornstarch

2 TBlS. Water

Directions:

-Thoroughly wash the strawberries in cool water

-Hull the berries and cut in half or quarters if large

-Add the strawberries, sugar, and water to a heavy-bottomed saucepan

-Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a gentle boil

-Reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for ten minutes

-Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the syrup thickens

-Remove from heat, allow to cool just a bit, place in a glass jar with a lid, and refrigerate until ready to use.

-The syrup can also be used immediately or warmed before use if you prefer a warm syrup

-Serve over pancakes for a seasonal treat.

-Optional: Top with whipped cream

Personally, I enjoy pouring a bit of syrup over my sausage, which I serve with pancakes. However, to each his own. In our home, we have traditional breakfast foods for supper. The Bean enjoys pancakes, but finds them too filling for breakfast. Having breakfast for supper is an easy go-to meal if I haven't planned a meal for the night. Incorporating fresh produce into our meals is a lovely treat. On this overcast, muggy Friday, stay safe, be smart, enjoy seasonal treats while they last, and keep washing your hands.