Strawberry Blooming Buds
This makes a beautiful presentation and is very delicious. I sometimes finely chop up some strawberries and make an almond flour and add it to the filling which makes it extra special. I arrange these blossoms on a large platter and decorate it with fresh mint leaves.
This can be served as an appetizer or dessert.
Ingredients
Strawberries and Filling
- 24 large fresh firm sweet strawberries cleaned with a damp paper towel or a flour sack type towel
- 6 ounces softened cream cheese
- 5 to 6 finely chopped strawberries
- 4 to 5 tablespoons confectioners' sugar (omit if you are using almond flour)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain yogurt (I use the sour cream, I like the taste)
- Mint leaves to garnish the tops and arrange around the strawberries
Almond Flour
- 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup blanched almonds
- 4 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Strawberries and Filling: Pull stems from strawberries (if there are any) so that the berries lay flat. Cut the top of the strawberries in half about 1/4 inch from the bottom. Then cut each half in half to form 4 petals. Slightly open the strawberry being careful not to break them. Place in refrigerator until ready to fill.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar or almond flour, and sour cream. If you are using the chopped strawberries gently fold them in.
- I use a cookie press which has a star tube to fill the cavity of the strawberry ( a pastry bag with a star tip can also be used, i find it easier to use a cookie press instead of squeezing it through a pastry bag, it goes faster). Gently with a light touch fill the strawberries. I sometimes sprinkle the tops with some almond flour.
- Arrange on platter and decorate with mint sprigs and garnish the tops of strawberries with mint leaves. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Almond Flour: Place ingredients in food processor and process until you achieve a very very fine powder.
- Mix with the filling ingredients (the amount you add will depend on the flavor you want to achieve. (I add a little of the almond flour first then taste the filling and add more to achieve the taste I want.)
If you are adding the almond flour, omit the 4 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar as listed above, as this will make the filling too sweet. The sugar in the almond flour is sufficient.
Posted by bettyboop at Recipe Goldmine 9/4/2001 9:36 am.
