Photo Copyright (c) Sandra A. Gutierrez 2015; All Rights Reserved
Nothing says "I love you" more, in my opinion, than breakfast in bed on Valentine's Day. Which is why tomorrow, I'll surprise my darling with this sweet strawberry butter. If you need a quick and easy recipe that makes a splash, have I got one for you!
I'll never forget my first taste of strawberry butter. Back in 1978, I was invited to a ladies luncheon at the restaurant of a Neiman Marcus store in Dallas. That was way back when one got dressed up to go shopping and eateries in stores such as this one served elegant and dainty lunches. I was a very young girl but I can still remember the honeyed flavor of this spread that melted each time I brushed it onto warm, fluffy bread rolls, leaving speckles of berries on its path.
Suffice it to say that I honestly don't remember what else was served during the meal--I probably ate mostly bread and "pink" butter for lunch. Over the years I wondered what happened to all of those nice Texan ladies--the wives of dentists colleagues of my dad's--who introduced me to this delicious spread. And for as long, I dreamt of recreating this recipe.
This has now become one of my favorite things to serve on Valentine's Day, as a spread for biscuits or my whole-grain bread, or atop waffles and pancakes (my husband favorite!). I hope you enjoy it and build happy memories around it.
If you are still looking for a great gift for your sweetheart, don't forget to pre-order my new book EMPANADAS: The Hand-Held Pies of Latin America on amazon or anywhere good books are sold.
Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!
Strawberry Butter
1 stick butter, room temperature
4-6 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 cup minced fresh strawberries
In a small bowl, combine the butter and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Using a hand-held mixer, whip the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.Add the strawberries and whip until the butter is pink and the berries are incorporated. (If it's too soft, add the remaining sugar and whip again). Transfer to a container and chill until ready to serve.
Makes 1/2 cup
Copyright (C) Sandra A. Gutierrez 2015; All Rights Reserved
