The humble strawberry – celebrated with its own national day every February in the States, this juicy perennial isn’t actually a berry at all. It is, however, the inspiration behind our sugar free sweets, from lollipops to gummy bears.
With spring just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about those strawberry recipes for warmer weather. From sweet treats to evening meals, make the most of the strawberry season below.
No-share chocolate fondue and strawberry
You might want to save this one for adults only, as it could get messy! Get your chocolate fix and your five a day with this simple fondue recipe.
Heat up 200g of vegan or dark chocolate by setting a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Use cooking chocolate if you can and break it up into smaller pieces.
At the same time, slowly stir in 200ml of plant-based pouring cream.
Pour into a heatproof bowl and dip strawberries using kebab skewers or forks.
Guilt-free party food with sugar-free sweets
Great for kids’ birthday parties, this recipe uses both fruit and their favourite gelatine free gummy sweets, so there’s no need to worry about sugar nasties.
Wash two punnets of strawberries. Set half aside for the filling, and carefully cut out a small hole in the top of the other half to fill with ‘strawberry butter’.
Lay the strawberries out in a cake mould. Next, take three (or more if desired) from the second punnet and whisk together with vegan butter, and one tablespoon of sugar substitute such as Stevia.
When you have a consistency that can be ‘piped’, add the mixture into the holes on each of the strawberries. Top with a sugar free gummy bear and serve at parties.
Breakfast sorted with strawberry oatmeal bars
From a healthy playtime snack to post-workout fuel, these strawberry bars have just four ingredients.
Line an 8 x 8-inch (20cm) pan with greaseproof paper and preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4.
Mix 125g rolled oats, 100g peanut butter, 50g chopped strawberries and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Allow to cool on A wire rack and enjoy.
Take it to dinner with Panzanella salad
Thought strawberries were just for dessert? Think again. Tell the kids they can only get their strawberry lollipops if they finish up this delectable dinner first – completely gluten-free and vegan!
Preheat the oven to 230°C or gas mark 8. Chop 500g of gluten-free crusty bread into 1-inch cubes. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and add the cubes, then coat in olive oil. Bake for 5 minutes and leave to cool.
Mix 50g chopped red onions, 150g chopped strawberries, 150 chopped cherry tomatoes, 250g spinach and 150g chopped cucumber in a bowl with the cooled bread cubes.
Liven it up with a balsamic glaze! Heat 75ml balsamic vinegar, 2tbsp raw cane or coconut sugar and a pinch of salt and pepper for 5 minutes until it forms a thick, sticky consistency. Allow to cool and drizzle over the salad.
From fruity flavourings to juicy sunset dinners, you’ll find it all with strawberry. Treat the whole family with the Free From range of sugar free sweets.