So says this busy part-time blogger whose been incessantly asked to begin posting again. And so I will oblige.
It was a hectic spring in the Martin household, folks! After working through a ‘surprise’ medical diagnosis and the loss of a much-loved family pet, it’s time to count our blessings and reflect on the things that make life worth living every day.
Spring is a great time to do just that. It is the season of renewal. Tulips emerge early from the just-thawed soil as a colorful reminder of springs past. As the days grow longer the plants in our family garden grow stronger each day, nourished by the warm sun and more-than-abundant rain. Just the other day, I was snooping around the neighbors’ gardens to see the fruit- jewel of late spring emerge from its flowers – the cheerful strawberry. They’re baaaaaccccck…didja miss them? I sure did.
Imported winter strawberries stink. I mean those little red nuggets packaged in plastic clamshell baskets are really just sneaky doppelgangers that just look like the real thing. And they cost a small fortune. Definitely not worth the time or money during the winter months. Then spring comes with the promise of longer days, renewed life and yes FRESH STRAWBERRIES.
In the spring, small perennial plants emerge from their underground runners bursting with white flowers that eventually swell and turn red…all at once. And so the home gardener or even the spring shopper that is eager to pick up seasonal produce is faced with a very serious dilemma. What do I do with all those strawberries before they go bad? Never fear, strawberry salsa is here!!!
Strawberry salsa is a refreshing take on the favorite Mexican condiment. Macerated till glossy and accented with balsamic vinegar and a hint of mint, strawberry salsa is a great way to savor most everyone’s most favorite springtime fruit.
Strawberry Salsa
Pick a day that is warm and sunny. Wake up and enjoy your coffee outside. Put on some clothes and steal some fresh berries from the neighbor’s patch. Or buy them at the store if you’d like to stay friends with the neighbors. Finely chop the strawberries and macerate in a small amount of sugar. Add a dash of balsamic and a bit of mint.
Spray some flour tortillas on both sides with non-stick cooking spray and cut into wedges. Bathe the wedges in a cinnamon/sugar bath and bake in a warm oven until they are crisp. Scoop. Eat. Repeat.
Just Passing the Thyme... 