Strawberries Romanoff

Glad to hear that you all have had some rain. Here in the Bluegrass we are actually at a mild drought condition. Many yards are quite brown. We have had to water all the flowers and gardens. They keep predicting showers, but not a drop has fallen in several weeks. We had the first fresh peas from the garden this week, and strawberries. Is there anything as delicious as a ripe strawberry eaten right in the strawberry patch? Heaven on earth it is.

Once you have satisfied the spring craving for bowls and handfuls of plain (plain?, there is nothing plain about a perfect fresh strawberry), you MUST try this Easy Strawberries Romanoff dessert.

Easy Strawberries Romanoff:

1 pint fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
2 tablespoons brandy
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 pint heavy cream
6 scoops vanilla ice cream–slightly softened
Mint sprigs–optional

Slice about half of the larger strawberries and leave the rest whole. Reserve a few whole ones for garnish. Marinate the berries in the Grand Marnier, brandy and sugar. Chill in the refrigerator in a covered storage container for several hours. Resist the temptation to snack on the berries.

Whip the cream with a hand mixer. Right before serving, fold the strawberries, cream and softened ice cream together with a large spatula. Garnish with remaining whole berries and mint sprigs.

As the old Southern Belle who contributed this recipe wrote, “So pretty served in a cut glass bowl.” Frankly, my dear, this is pretty served in anything, but one of grandmother’s cut glass bowls does seem appropriate. This serves 8 delicate, lady sized servings, or 4 man sized servings.

You know, perhaps we ought to send this recipe to the Los Angeles Celebrity Correctional Facility. I’m sure it this dessert would be right at home with our heavy drinking celebs.