Strawberry Mint Seduction Food

ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH STRAWBERRIES AND MINT

Steps:

• Remove angel food cake from container and set on a plate. With a serrated knife, carefully remove the top of the cake by slicing horizontally 1/2-inch down from the top. Set top aside.
• Hollow out the center of the cake. If cake already has a hollow center ring, make a canal around center hole by carefully cutting and removing a 1-inch deep trench around the entire cake. Be careful not to tear the inside or outside walls. Place the removed pieces of cake in a medium bowl.
• Pick out 1 strawberry to use as garnish (the best looking one) and set aside. To the bowl with the cake pieces, add the remaining strawberries, chopped mint, orange liqueur, and 1/2 cup of the whipped topping. Fold until combined.
• Fill cake, both the well and the center, with the strawberry mixture. Replace the top of the cake that had been set aside.
• To the remaining whipped topping, add a few drops of orange extract and combine thoroughly. This will remove the store-bought taste. Frost the cake with remaining whipped topping and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Top with reserved strawberry.
• Chill cake for 4 hours before serving.

STRAWBERRIES WITH MINT WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• Make syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar, mint, and 2 tablespoons water to a boil. Remove from heat; steep 15 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Let cool (makes about 1/4 cup).
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in 1/4 cup syrup (store any remaining syrup); if needed, re-whip cream to stiffen.
• Starting with strawberries, spoon alternating layers of strawberries and cream into four serving glasses. Top each with a mint sprig.