We’re teaming up with food and garden bloggers to host Spring Fling 2011, a season-long garden party. In coming weeks, we’ll feature favorite garden-to-table recipes and tips to help you enjoy the bounty, whether you’re harvesting your own goodies or buying them fresh from the market. Recently, we dove into the world of rhubarb and artichokes — today, we’re exploring strawberries.
Strawberries are the season’s eye catching bounty that so many people wait for — they’re juicy, flavorful and can be eaten plain, roasted, grilled and more. When buying, choose brightly colored, plump berries that still have their green caps attached. Do not wash them until ready to use them, and store (preferably in a single layer on a paper towel) in a moisture-proof container in the refrigerator for two to three days.
While strawberries vary in size, if you see European Alpine strawberries, which are much smaller than American and Chilean varieties, don’t hesitate to pick them up. They are exquisitely sweet and are considered by many to be the “queen of strawberries.”
This week, we’re going beyond chocolate-covered strawberries and strawberry shortcake with these five new recipes for spring and summer:
Breakfast: Giada’s Strawberry Strata
Lunch: Rachael’s Romaine Hearts with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Browse our dinner, dessert and drink picks after the jump »
June is National Iced Tea Month — so get out your tall glasses and ice cubes and celebrate the warm weather by pouring yourself a home-brewed glass of iced tea.
According to Food Network’s Encyclopedia, “Tea grew wild in China until the Chinese determined the leaves helped flavor the flat taste of the water that they boiled to prevent getting sick. All tea plants belong to the same species, but varying climates, soils, etc., combine in different ways to create a plethora of distinctive leaves.”
Whether enjoyed plain, sweetened, flavored or spiked, sip down this cool drink with one of these recipes:
Giada’s Sweet Apple Iced Tea
Thai Iced Tea
Ellie’s Lemon-Ginger Iced Tea With Berry Cubes
Iced Tea With Grenadine
Browse our picks for alcoholic versions after the jump »
Impress the family tonight with Guy’s Latin-inspired pork chops with a spicy rub and citrus marinade. While the total time of this recipe says it takes “1 hour 45 minutes” to make, don’t fret. The pork chops will marinate in the refrigerator for an hour, leaving you time to help the kids with their homework or to make a refreshing side salad like this Avocado Salad With Tomatoes, Lime, and Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette.
Get the recipe: Guy’s Cuban Pork Chops With Mojo
Browse more of Food Network’s pork recipes.
Iron Chef Jose Garces will participate in The Great Chefs Event in Philadelphia, Penn. on Tuesday June 14 in support of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Alex Scott, a young girl with a childhood cancer called neuroblastoma, founded the organization. Every year she opened a lemonade stand in front of her home with the proceeds going to benefit pediatric cancer research. Alex inspired people from all over the world, motivating them to hold their own lemonade stands and donate to her cause. In August of 2004 at the age of 8, Alex passed away knowing she had helped raise over $1 million dollars to help find a cure for the disease that took her life. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised over $40 million towards fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure by funding over 150 research projects nationally. If you would like to attend the event featuring Chef Garces visit: The Great Chefs Event.
Chef Marcela Valladolid stopped by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon late last week to whip up recipes perfect for the warm summer weather. Marcela taught Jimmy the fine art of sipping tequila and guided him through the steps of making a Mexican style burger. Watch the video clip: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Read more »
After all the BBQ parties, salads and juicy burgers, try something a bit lighter for lunch today. Send the entire family off to work or school with this savory sandwich made with turkey, avocado and whole-grain bread. Mayo is swapped out for a lighter, healthier condiment with nonfat, plain Greek yogurt for a protein and fiber-packed meal.
Get the recipe: Turkey-Avocado Clubs
Browse more of Food Network’s quick and easy recipes.
It’s not often the entire family can sit down together for breakfast on a Monday morning, so take advantage of the time by making one of these indulgent breakfast recipes together:
The Neelys’ French Toast Panini With Grilled Bananas (pictured above)
Sunny’s Big Ole Tex-Mex Burrito Omelet
Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns
Bobby’s Grilled Sausage and Egg Breakfast Sandwiches
Ina’s Breakfast Bread Pudding
Browse more of Food Network’s breakfast recipes.
With so many delicious recipes to choose from Food Network’s Memorial Day and grilling roundups, where does one start? Trying to make your crazy and hectic weekends easier, the editors of FoodNetwork.com and CookingChannelTV.com have shared their favorite recipes and packaged them up into two menus — mix and match, substitute or just make one recipe. Whatever you do, enjoy them with family and friends and share your food photos with us on Food Network’s Facebook page.
Menu 1:
Appetizer: Pineapple Polenta Squares With Shrimp
Main: Southern Fried Chicken
Side Dish: Avocado Salad
Dessert: Blueberry Crumble With Cornmeal-Almond Topping
Get our second menu after the jump »
Put a chill into your grilling and chilling weekend this Memorial Day by mixing up a few simple and refreshing summer drinks. Our diverse ideas below will please the kids – and kids at heart – while offering some grown-ups-only favorites and unique twists on classic cocktails. Whether you’re simply barbecuing in the backyard with your family or hosting a neighborhood holiday cookout, these cool recipes are sure to quench everyone’s thirst.
Nothing says summer like a refreshing frozen marg and Bobby Flay feels the same way. His Frozen Pomegranate, Mango, Tangerine, Watermelon and Cactus Pear varieties boast cool flavors and the famed frosty consistency.
A traditional Spanish and Portuguese cocktail, sangria is most often made by mixing red or white wine with fresh fruit, sparkling soda water and various liqueurs. Food Network Magazine’s Red and White Sangria recipes are classic examples of this European summer sipper.
Like sangria, the mojito has evolved from its original Cuban mixture of white rum and mint into a transformable cocktail capable of pleasing everyone. Not a rum fan? Not a problem. Guy Fieri’s Double Apple Mojito is made with vodka and apple juice. Similarly, Tyler Florence’s Blueberry Ginger Mojito Pitchers combine vodka, soda and fresh ginger.
Browse more refreshing summer drinks »
Potato and macaroni salads: two of most iconic summer dishes in America. Here, elbow macaroni is tossed with ripe tomatoes, crunchy celery and a creamy dressing. Make it more personal by adding additional veggies for like diced bell peppers and cucumber.
Get the recipe: American Macaroni Salad
Browse more of Food Network’s Memorial Day recipes.
With summer right around the corner, there’s never a better time to brush up on grilling safety. Yes, you may be the master of your grill; however, you can never be too careful.
1. Gas grilling should be done outside the home at least 10 feet away from the house.
2. Check all connections for leaks by turning on the cylinder valve and spraying the connections with a solution made by mixing equal amounts of liquid dish soap and water. If bubbles appear, those connections need to be tightened or replaced.
3. Keep the grill away from heavy foot traffic. It’s also highly recommended to keep children, pets and outdoor games like football away from the grill.
4. Always place lighters and matches away from the grill and children.
5. Wear fitted clothing. While you may be warm, you’re safest when wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed shoes.
Read the remaining 5 tips after the jump »
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