10:30 - Yes I have berries! More at 11:30/12

Hi gang,

Ahhhh, today is much nicer at 77 degrees (as I write). Picking is much slower but the berries are coming in and the stand is well stocked. I’ll continue to put berries in the cooler and keep them the best I can for you.

There are plenty of berries at the stand now and more will arrive at 11:30/12:00. That delivery will be all we’ll pick for the day. If I make it back to my computer in time, I’ll send you an update at 3:30 to take the guesswork out of “do we have berries” for later in the day.

Keep cool!

Champagne Strawberry Cooler
1 pk Frozen strawberries with syrup
1 c Orange juice
375 ml Champagne or sparkling white wine

Let frozen berries (10 to 12 oz) stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes. In blender at low speed, blend berries and syrup and orange juice until smooth. Pour this mixture into a large pitcher or bowl. Gradually pour in Champagne or wine and stir gently. Serve immediately. About 8 four ounce servings.

Chocolate French Toast with Strawberry Syrup
1/2 c Light corn syrup
1/4 c Sugar
1 ts Cinnamon
1/2 ts Nutmeg
1 1/2 c Fresh or unsweetened frozen strawberries
3 Eggs
1/2 c Vanilla sugar
2 tb Cocoa powder
1/2 c Milk
6 sl French bread (sliced on bias 1/2-inch thick)
1 tb Vegetable oil
Unsweetened whipped cream, for garnish
Confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling

Make strawberry syrup: In a small saucepan combine syrup, sugar, spices and strawberries. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Lower heat to simmering and cook until thick and syrupy consistency is reached. Keep warm.

Make chocolate french toast: In a large shallow bowl whisk eggs. In a small bowl combine vanilla sugar and cocoa until well-blended and whisk into eggs. Whisk in milk. In a sauté pan, preferably nonstick, heat half of oil over medium heat. Dip bread slices in egg mixture until thoroughly moistened. Carefully transfer half of bread slices to pan and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once. Transfer to warmed plate. Repeat with remaining bread slices. To serve, drizzle with strawberry syrup, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Yield: 2 serving

Cheers!

Sally Strawberry
Carstensen Farms

Hours:
Casa Grande location 490 Casa Grande Rd (across from Casa Grande High School)
Opening Day May 8th thru June 17 ...... Open daily 9 - 6, closed Tues
June 18 thru July 31 ...... Open 12 - TBD Days closed TBD
Aug 1 thru Sept 1 ..... Open daily 12 - 6, closed Tues, Thurs
Sept 2 to end of season ...... as available between transplanting

NOTE:
Our Ely Rd. location will not be open this year due to frost damage and the late season start - Sorry :(