Strawberries And Cream

Event: Sunday Funday

Theme: Desserts

Recipe: Strawberries And Cream

Strawberries And Cream, is a simple but absolutely tasty way of enjoying fresh succulent strawberries when in season. Just 4 ingredients and this dessert comes together in a jiffy. It is the ultimate summertime dessert.

History Behind Strawberries And Cream

Strawberries and Cream is not only the ideal combination but a classic dessert or pudding as the British like to call it. Strawberries have existed for years but how did this combination of fruit and cream become so famous?

The story goes that Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was a powerful figure in the court of King Henry VIII. He began building Hampton Court which had the largest kitchen during the Tudor era. It is believed that it was responsible for serving food to about 600 guests twice a day. No wonder the chefs must have thought of creating simple desserts. Strawberries and Cream was one such dessert. The chef’s name is unknown therefore the Cardinal gets the credit of creating a simple, refreshing dessert.

British summertime epitomizes two things, strawberries and cream and Wimbledon. How it got introduced at the annual Wimbledon Tennis Tournament is a bit hazy but its believed that strawberries were in season in mid July for a short period. Without refrigeration facilities back then, the combination was a trend during the Victorian times (though introduced during the Tudor era) and was considered a luxury item to enjoy. Wimbledon and Strawberries and Cream both epitomize luxury.

Memories

Growing up, one of the desserts available at some of the very “British Style” restaurants was Strawberries and Cream. That was like a rich, rich, rich treat for us back then. When strawberries became available at our local greengrocers, my aunt and I would prepare it for Saturday Dessert Night whenever possible. So quick, easy to make and yummy. I helped her to whip the cream. Back then we didn’t use electrical whisks or beaters. And who had heard of balloon whisks back then. It was the faithful egg beater that was used.

By the way, I actually wanted to buy one as my old one is all rusted and doesn’t work at all. However, that mechanical egg beater is even more costlier than an electrical hand blender!

By the time the sugar added to the strawberries melts, a lovely red syrup forms. And I use to love drizzling that syrup over the dessert.

Present Day

With summer comes loads of berries including strawberries. A childhood memory, I make it as often as possible. For Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, while my UK family was busy partying, attending functions, watching the whole pageantry on telly I had to be content with Strawberries And Cream. In my small way of celebration I made it for hubby and me to enjoy.

Small town Magog, didn’t have any signs of celebrating the Jubilee. Anyway, Quebec always shies away from anything English so I guess why should they celebrate. However, for me it a bit of a strange connection. First being that all my side of the family has been residing in UK for over 40 years. In fact my aunt and her family have been there for nearly 50 years. Secondly, when I was younger, we still had quite a bit of the British way of life and etiquette in Kenya. Kenya got its independence from the British Empire in 1963. But now things are different. I grew up in an era where minding our Ps and Qs was important.

I lamented to my daughter that I wish I had a Platinum Jubilee souvenir to use as a prop but couldn’t find any in the shops here. She replied, Mum, you should have checked on Amazon! You get everything there”. And that is so true.

Sunday Funday

By the way, Sunday Funday is a group of Food Bloggers. Every Sunday we  share some fun, traditional, hearty or easy recipes to make Sunday Family Meals a bit more exciting. To join this fun group, visit the Sunday Funday Facebook Page. Request to join in.

Theme: Desserts

Sneha who blogs at Sneha’s Recipe suggested we “bring in our desserts to celebrate fellow member Rebekah’s Birthday”. I am celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee and Rebekah’s birthday with the classic Strawberries and Cream dessert. But before we get to the recipe, why don’t you check out some more recipes using strawberries on my blog and also what other members have prepared to celebrate.

This post was first published 30/10/2014. As I took fresh photos of the dessert, decided to update this post for the theme.

Check Out Some More Strawberry Recipes:

STRAWBERRY LEMON SHORTCAKE

Strawberry Lemon Shortcake is a perfect spring summer time dessert with homemade shortcake or biscuit, whipped fresh cream and juicy strawberries. A decadent and filling dessert, the shortcake comes together within an hour.

Check out this recipe

STRAWBERRY ROSE KESARI MODAK

Strawberry Rose Modak, made with semolina,sugar, strawberries, rose syrup is easy to make and a delectable sweet offering to Lord Ganesha during the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival.

Check out this recipe

STRAWBERRY & CHOCO CHIP CUPCAKES

Strawberry & Choco Chip Cupcakes are soft, delicious wholewheat flour and eggfree cupcakes. Every bite of the cupcake is loaded with fresh strawberries and melted chocolate chips. These cupcakes are perfect for any celebration or to enjoy at tea time.

STRAWBERRY FINGER MILLET SMOOTHIE

Get kids to enjoy the health benefits of finger millet (ragi) in the form of a tasty, creamy Strawberry Finger Millet Smoothie.

Check out this recipe

STRAWBERRY MOUSSE

Strawberry Mousse (eggfree) is a smooth, creamy, fruity and delicious dessert to serve during any occasion. Easy to make, its perfect for parties.

Check out this recipe

STRAWBERRY OREO CHEESECAKE

Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake is a no bake, easy to make, simply irresistible creamy dessert with fresh strawberries and oreo crust. Prefect for any celebration or just as a fancy treat.

Check out this recipe

Try out homemade Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

What Desserts Have Fellow Members Prepared? Let Us Check Them Out: