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It’s about the beautiful strawberry today. Not much to talk about, but how about some strawberry trivia. This is a short quiz to see how much you know about this fragrant berry. Answers are at the end of this column. No peeking!
1. A strawberry is the only fruit that has seeds on the outside. How many seeds does the average strawberry have?
2. If the medium-size berries this state produced in a year were laid end to end, they’d circle the world 15 times. What state is it?
3. Which U.S.  city is known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the world?
4. How many medium-size strawberries equal one serving?
5. How many calories are in one serving of strawberries.

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STRAWBERRY
FRUIT DIP
1 c. sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 c. sour cream
1 T. sugar
1/4 t. vanilla
1/2 c. whipping cream
Strawberries and other fresh fruits

In a blender, combine first four ingredients. Cover and process until smooth. In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into strawberry mixture. Turn into a small, pretty bowl. Cover and refrigerate one hour. Serve with fruit. Refrigerate any leftovers. Use within two to three days, stirring before serving. Makes one and a half cups.

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COOL ‘N EASY
STRAWBERRY PIE
2/3 c. boiling water
1 pkg. strawberry flavor gelatin
Ice cubes
1/2 c. cold water
3 c. thawed whipped topping (not whipped cream)
1 graham cracker pie crust

In a large bowl, stir boiling water into gelatin, stir at least two minutes until completely dissolved. In a two cup measure, add enough ice to cold water to measure one cup. Add to gelatin, stir until ice is melted. Fold in whipped topping, stir with a wire whisk until well blended. Refrigerate 15-20 minutes or until mixture is very thick and will mound. Spoon into crust.
Refrigerate at least four hours or overnight. Garnish with fresh berries, sliced in half. Makes 6-8 servings.

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This sauce can be served over ice cream, angel food cake or pound cake.

RAZZLE-DAZZLE BERRY SHORTCAKE
1-1/2 c. raspberry pie filling
1 c. sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 c. fresh blueberries
6-2 inch slices angel food or pound
Whipped cream topping

In a medium bowl, combine first three ingredients. Place slices on each of serving plates; top with fruit mixture and whipped cream. Note: Angel food cake can be purchased from the bakery department if you would rather not make it from a box, no fuss. Pound cake can be purchased in the frozen food department.
Answer to the trivia questions:
1. 200
2. California
3. Plant City, Florida
4. Seven or eight medium berries
5. Only 22, and they’re packed with vitamin C and fiber.
How did you do? I only knew two!


Thought for the Day: If you really want to do something, you will find a way. If you don’t want to do something, you will find an excuse.

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