A Big Ol' Bowl of Berries

It's my favorite time of year! Strawberry time! This is the first year that our strawberry plants have beared fuit. And boy, are they bearing fruit! Kendall and I have been having fun picking about every other day, and this is the big bowl of heaven that we picked yesterday. Somehow we managed to get out there between all of the rainshowers...and we couldn't believe how many we found! We LOVE these juicy red berries...and ours are so much sweeter than those at the grocery. Better for you too....no pesticides, of course!

In celebration of our strawberry plants, I'm sharing a yummy recipe today. Hope you all find some sweet, juicy strawberries of your own...or stop on over and we'll share some of ours!

STRAWBERRY CREAM PUFFS

1 c water
1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. flour
4 eggs

(Filling)
2 pts. fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 c. sugar, divided
2 c. whipping cream
confectioners sugar
Additional sliced strawberries
Fresh mint (opt)

In a large saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat: let stand for 5 mins. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. Drop by 12 rounded teaspoonfuls 3 inches apart onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400* for 30-35 mins., or until golden brown.

Transfer to a wire rack. Immediately cut a slit in each puff to allow steam to escape; cool. Split puffs and set tops aside; remove soft dough from inside with fork. cool puffs.

For filling, combine berries and 1/4 c sugar; chill for 30 mins. Beat cream and remaining sugar until stiff. Fold in berries. Fill cream puffs and replace tops. Dust with confectioners sugar; garnish with addtional strawberry slices and mint. Serve immediately.

YUM, YUM, YUM! Enjoy!