Strawberries - Summer's First Fruits

Summer has hit Texas with a vengeance. Temps are in the 90s, but the "feels-like" temperatures have soared into the hundreds. But there is good news. Strawberries are in season.

We've had strawberry shortcake two weekends in a row. And there's never a bad time for chocolate dipped strawberries. But what about a savory strawberry salad?

This is one of my favorite salads.

Here's what you'll need to make it:

• One 10-12 oz package baby spinach
• Half a small red onion, thin sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Sliced fresh strawberries
• Your favorite red wine vinaigrette

Toss together the spinach, onion, almonds, strawberries, and blue cheese. Now add 1/4 cup of dressing and toss again. And you can always add more dressing, if you like. 

How's that for a simple dish? It's great by itself or on the side with a slice of quiche or, maybe, a grilled chicken breast. The flavor of the blue cheese melds so well with the strawberries and vinaigrette. It's light, it's refreshing... Perfect for summer.

So this happened this weekend.

Nothing like a little encouragement when you're struggling with the beginning of a new story. I'm beyond thrilled.

What are some of your favorite ways with strawberries?

Three time Carol Award finalist Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, one sassy pup, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at mindyobenhaus.com