Sloshed Strawberries For My Valentine Food

VALENTINE'S DAY STRAWBERRY MUFFINS

Steps:

• Mix lemon juice with as much milk as needed to measure 1 cup; let the soured milk stand for 5 minutes before using.
• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Line 24 muffin tins with paper liners.
• Cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a large bowl.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time; add the lemon extract.
• Gradually stir in the lemon zest and soured milk.
• Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
• Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in another bowl.
• Stir the butter mixture into the flour mixture until dry ingredients are just moistened.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups to about 2/3 full.
• Place a strawberry slice atop each muffin and sprinkle with some of the 1 tablespoon white sugar.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes before serving warm.

SLOSHED STRAWBERRIES FOR MY VALENTINE

Steps:

• Mix honey, wine and brandy until smooth.
• Pour berries & preserves into blender; whirl for 15 seconds; add wine mixture; whirl again until well-blended.
• Pour into a 13x9 pan; freeze for 3-4 hours.
• SERVING SUGGESTION #1: scrape spoons-ful into tall glass, cover with choice of gingerale, Sprite or 7-Up; stir to mix; add a straw or long-handled spoon; serve.
• Garnish with fresh strawberry on a pick-stick or sliced mid-way & perched on the edge of the glass.
• SERVING SUGGESTION #2: scrape spoons-ful into blender jar, add 1 cup gingerale and whirl until smooth, pour into glasses and serve with spoon or straw.
• Garnish with fresh strawberry on a pick-stick or sliced mid-way & perched on the edge of the glass.
• SERVING SUGGESTION #3: scrape spoons-ful of the frosty confection into pretty serving dishes; pour 2-3 T. gingerale or WHITE WINE over; serve with a spoon--eat slowly to avoid brain-freeze (you've been warned).
• Garnish with fresh strawberry on a pick-stick or sliced in half top to bottom and arranged artfully on the top.
• VARIATIONS: Other berries work magnificently for this, too, as well as mangos.

VALENTINE STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
• Microwave candy melts in separate bowls, 1 bowl at a time, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted.
• Dip strawberries into desired color of candy melts. Let excess candy drip off, then set on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with another color of candy melts. Top with sprinkles. Chill strawberries until set, at least 15 minutes and up to 2 days.