The strawberries grown in the Aveyron are special, prompting George Christopher Davies to document them in his book, Our Home in the Aveyron. "Great quantities of strawberries are grown between the vines. These are of a small kind somewhat larger than our wild strawberries: they come in season earlier than our garden strawberries, and are much prized for their fine flavour." These are special, heritage varieties that grow only in France.
Although you might not be able to buy French heritage berries at your local market, try these French strawberry recipes in your own kitchen for some European flair.
Strawberry Sorbet Recipe
Angela Schmeidel Randall
This fresh strawberry sorbet is incredibly bright tasting and refreshing. It’s equally welcome as a warm afternoon refreshment or a shocking palate cleanser in the dead of winter. Make sure to use fresh berries for this recipes, as frozen strawberries are often lacking in flavor.
Strawberry Bottereaux Recipe
Jess Lander
A popular product of French street vendors, these strawberry-filled pastries, also known as strawberry bottereaux, are best served just minutes after frying them. The jam filling is warm and the pastry is flaky and crisp. Dust the pastry with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately with cafe creme for a cozy breakfast or coffee break.
Tarte aux Fruits Rouges Recipe
Blue Waikiki
Full of rich mascarpone cream and juicy berries, this tarte aux fruits rouges recipe, also known as red fruits tart, is a popular choice for brunches and special occasions. Layer it with any combination of raspberries, cherries, and strawberries. Black currants, blackberries, and blueberries, although not technically red, are traditionally served in this soft fruits tart, as well.
Strawberry Rhubarb Compote Recipe
Mar Mar
Dessert sauces are an easy way to get creative in the kitchen and help you look like an expert French gourmet, even if you’re not one. Roasting rhubarb with orange juice and sugar before adding it to the simmering sauce really enhances this simple strawberry rhubarb compote recipe. Serve it warm or chilled over ice cream, Belgian waffles, or crepes for a delightful dessert.
Forest Fruit Crumble Recipe
Lori Stalteri
Enchanting by name and flavor, this forest fruits crumble recipe is made from a simple union of juicy forest berries and a special double-layer of buttery oat crumble. Known as bumbleberry crumble in the United States, this recipe is very forgiving in that the mixed berries can be chosen in nearly any combination that tickles your fancy. A particularly mouth-watering blend uses black currants in place of a third of the strawberries.
Strawberry Orange Soup Recipe
Anna Moderska
Both children and adults love this fresh strawberry orange soup recipe. The sweet, healthy treat, full of vitamin C, can be prepared in advance and chilled until serving time. It is lovely when used to round out an entrée salad for a light, nourishing meal.
Macerated Strawberries Recipe
Flickr user odonata98
The beauty of this simple macerated strawberries recipe is that it provides a way to add life to berries that aren't ripe enough or are a bit past their prime. A sprinkle of sugar and a drizzle of lemon juice transforms a ho-hum package of strawberries into a flavorful, juicy treat worthy of adding to your favorite desserts. Try the lightly sweetened, fresh strawberry sauce on sponge cake, ice cream, or yogurt; your imagination is the limit!
