It was a pretty spontaneous decision to load the car in our ‘it’s ok to get muddy’ attire (who am I kidding? That’s pretty much all they own.) and head to Barneveld. The charming Bures Berry Patch is officially open for business this season. Because of the drizzle and fog, the short road trip there was close to magical….the fog settled in the low farm fields, greens so rich and saturated, condensation forming on on the inside of the car–making a perfect canvas for little fingers.
We received our quarts, flat, flag and special instructions on how to pick. A whole row to ourselves. Ben ate more than he saved. Charlie, Jack, and John plugged away filling quarts, adding them to the flat and starting over every dozen plants or so. The air was thick, still, gray. A frog called from a low place. The peony field buzzed.
We chatted about what we’ll do with our little crimson treasures. Strawberry shortcake? Berries on warm pancakes? Jam? Pie? No, ice cream. Definitely strawberry ice cream.
Strawberry Ice Cream via Epicurious
Ingredients
Pound of strawberries, halved (I eye-balled it)
3/4 C of sugar
3/4 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 C half and half
Directions
Coarsely mash strawberries with sugar, and lemon juice using a potato masher in a large bowl. Let stand, stirring and mashing occasionally, about an hour.
Transfer strawberry mixture to a blender and purée with cream until smooth. Return strawberry cream to bowl, stirring occasionally, until very cold, 3 to 6 hours.
Freeze mixture in ice cream maker. Transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to firm up.
Day Five of seriously dreary weather (ohdearheavensitfeelslikeayear), but Summer Must Go On. So, yeah, ice cream served darned near in dark (I’m against turning on lights before 9pm in June). Fingers crossed the sun will return soon. JIMINY! I can’t take it much longer.
xo, Jen
Beautifully Ordinary is a trademark of Jen Lucas Photography, LLC.