Recipes

5 Yummy Back-to-School Recipes to Brighten Up Your Kiddo's Lunch Box

So, September is right around the corner, and you know what that means. It's almost time to send your kiddo(s) back to school. But, brand new gear excitement aside, back-to-school season is also a time for hectic mornings with zero time to prep something decent for his/her lunch box. If you want to avoid such scenarios, stepping up your meal prep game is your only choice, and these five easy back-to-school recipes are just the thing to get you started.
PS: The healthy ingredients in there are just a bonus.

1. Cheese Broccoli Egg Cups

By now, most moms know that cheese is a surefire way to transform just about any veggie based snack into a kid approved meal, and these lunch box friendly egg cups are no exception. Laced with broccoli and Cheddar cheese, these bites will secretly sneak a bunch of much needed nutrients into your munchkin's body while sparing you the lunchtime tantrums.
Ingredients:
½ cup dehydrated broccoli
¼ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
2 small eggs, beaten
¼ cup milk
1 clove garlic, minced
A pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the dehydrated broccoli along with one cup of warm water.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350^o
3. Once the broccoli is hydrated, remove it from the bowl, squeeze away any excess water, and add to a separate bowl along with the other ingredients and whisk together until they are evenly combined.
4. Line a muffin tin with cupcake cases, and pour 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture in each case.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the egg cups are cooked through.

2. Greek Style Pasta Salad

Another genius way to trick your little one into eating his/her veggies is to add pasta to the mix. From tomatoes to cucumber to green olives, this kid friendly take on the classic side salad will have them asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
8 ounces of bow-tie pasta, cooked
½ cucumber, peeled and diced
4 tbsp dehydrated tomato flakes
5 green olives, pitted and cut in half
3 tbsp Feta cheese, crumbled
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
½ tsp dried oregano
A pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the tomato flakes along with 1/3 cup of warm water and set aside for 15 minutes.
2. Once the tomato flakes are hydrated, squeeze away the excess water, and transfer to a salad bowl.
3. Toss the rest of the ingredients and mix well until they are evenly combined.
4. Refrigerate for a couple of hours and serve chilled.

3. Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies

Even though store bought cookies don't have a reputation for being healthy, this homemade version begs to differ. Containing a variety of nutrient rich ingredients, such as oats, fruits, and cinnamon, these chewy cookies will be your kiddo's new favorite back-to-school snack.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup oats
½ cup freeze dried blueberries
¼ cup freeze dried banana slices
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp coconut oil
½ tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup maple syrup
¼ tsp cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Instructions:

1. In a bowl add the freeze dried blueberries and banana slices along with 1 ½ cup of warm water and set aside.
2. Once they are hydrated, remove them from the water, and mash the banana slices.
3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. In a bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
5. In a separate bowl, add the banana puree, coconut oil, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and combine well.
6. Then, stir in the flour mixture and the blueberries until you form dough.
7. Using your impeccably clean, bare hands, form balls with the dough and arrange them on the baking sheet.
8. Flatten them with the heel of your hand to the desired thickness and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until they are cooked through.

4. Bean Dip and Chips

Who said your kid's lunch box is only worthy of BLT sandwiches? This slightly fancy but super easy bean dip recipe proves once again that back-to-school recipes can be all types of yummy with minimal effort.
Pro tip: Pair this delicious dip with gluten free tortilla chips for a healthy midday treat.
Ingredients:
1 cup dehydrated refried bean mix
½ cup passata
½ cup sour cream
¼ tsp chili powder
½ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
1/8 tsp cumin
Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients in a slow cooker along with 2 cups of water and cook for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Salt and Vinegar Zucchini Balls

From loading the human body with vitamin C to providing you with a hefty dose of fiber and protein, zucchini is one of those foods that screams “healthy.” Unfortunately, given its mild taste, the nutrient-rich veggie often goes unnoticed. Bring zucchini back into the spotlight with this zesty lunch box recipe that'll convert your little one into a lifelong fan from that very first bite.
Ingredients:
1 cup dehydrated zucchini
2 small eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp salt
Instructions:

1. Add the dehydrated zucchini to a bowl along with 1 cup of warm water and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350^o
3. Once hydrated, transfer the zucchini to another bowl and stir in the rest of the ingredients. Mix until you form a batter. If it's too moist, add more breadcrumbs.
4. Using your hands, form several golf-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini balls turn golden.
6. Serve with yogurt based dips.

What's your go-to lunch box recipe for your little munchkin? Share your ideas and suggestions in the comments down below!

 

5 Easy-to-Make Snacks Perfect for Last-Minute Traveling

It’s already August, which means vacation time is right around the corner. But, if you are anything like most people, chances are you have yet to start packing. While tucking away your bathing suit at the very last minute is no big deal, neglecting to throw in a couple of snacks can be all types of frustrating during a long trip. To avoid packing all the wrong things or - worse - leaving your tote bag empty and your stomach growling, we gathered around these five last minute snacks for traveling that are super easy to make, healthy and - most importantly - packed with flavor. So, consider yourself road-trip ready.

1. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Requiring just three ingredients, this last-minute snack is the epitome of easy. But, don't let the short ingredient list fool you. Thanks to dark chocolate’s sweet taste, the travel-friendly nosh is bound to swoon your taste buds even when heat and hundreds of miles are slowly getting the better of you.
Ingredients:
3 ½ ounces of dark chocolate
½ tsp coconut oil
½ cup of freeze dried whole strawberries
Instructions:

1. Line a tray with waxed paper and set aside.
2. Add the chocolate to a heat-proof mug and place it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
3. Once the time is up, remove the mug from the microwave and using a spoon, and gently stir the slightly melted chocolate.
4. Then, place the mug in the microwave once again for another 15-20 seconds.
5. Repeat the same procedure until the chocolate is completely melted and then stir in the coconut oil.
6. Dip the whole strawberries into the chocolate and arrange them on the tray.
7. Place them in the fridge and chill for about 5-10 minutes.

2. Peanut Butter & Banana Chips Wrap

Packed with fiber and lots of flavor, bananas are one of those foods that can readily turn any snack into a gourmet treat. Take this peanut butter and banana wrap, for example. Made in less than 5 minutes, this last minute snack is perfect for anyone who needs something filling to munch on while on the road without discounting on flavor. Kudos to those who go the extra mile and add candied nuts to the mix!
Ingredients:
1 whole wheat tortilla
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp freeze dried banana slices
1 tbsp candied cashews (optional)
A pinch of coconut sugar
Instructions:

1. Spread the peanut butter on the tortilla evenly.
2. Top with the banana slices, candied cashews, and coconut sugar.
3. Roll up the tortilla tightly and store in an air-tight container or ziplock bag.

3. Stuffed Olives

We get it: Not everyone is a fan of sweet snacks. But, going outside the potato chip box while on the road is not an easy feat. That's why you need this healthier snack recipe in your life. At just three ingredients, this nibble takes almost zero time to prep, and is all kinds of delicious. Not to mention that it's packed with fiber, thanks to red bell peppers. That basically means that just a few bites can keep you full for a long time!
Ingredients:
½ cup green olives, pitted
2-3 tsp freeze dried red bell peppers
A pinch of salt
Instructions:

1. Fill half a cup with lukewarm water and add the red bell peppers.
2. Let them sit for a while until they are hydrated.
3. Then, transfer them to a small bowl, squeeze the excess water away and add some salt.
4. Using a fork, mash the hydrated bell peppers until you form a thick paste.
5. Stuff the pitted olives with the paste and store them in an airtight container.

4. Fruit & Nut Clusters

Somewhere between the subtly sweet taste, crunchy cashews, and fiber rich berries, this 4 ingredient snack screams “travel material.” So, if you want to spend more time on your suitcase than prepping your snack bag, this recipe is a no-brainer.
Ingredients:
½ cup cashews, unsalted and finely chopped
½ cup freeze dried Berry De-Lite blend
4 ounces of chocolate, melted
1-2 tbsp coconut flakes
1 tsp coconut sugar (optional)
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the melted chocolate and stir in the fruits, cashews, coconut flakes, and sugar. Mix well until all the ingredients are coated with chocolate.
2. Set several paper cupcake cases and spoon about 1 tbsp of the mixture in each of them.
3. Freeze for about 5-10 minutes and transfer to a ziplock bag.

5. Tomato Parmesan Crisps

While veggie chips can definitely do the trick and keep your hunger at bay, nothing hits the spot quite like a cheesy oven-baked crisp. But, this twist on the favorite snack comes with a generous serving of tomato flakes, making your munching experience all the more decadent. Who said road trip food is unhealthy and boring?
Ingredients:
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp dehydrated tomato flakes
Instructions:

1. Add ¼ cup of lukewarm water in a bowl and stir in the tomato flakes. Let them sit there for 10-15 minutes until they are hydrated.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Once the tomato flakes are hydrated, remove them from the bowl, squeeze any excess water and add them to a separate bowl along with the grated parmesan cheese. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly combined.
4. Spoon about 1 tbsp of the mixture onto the baking sheet and form small cheese “discs.” Make sure you leave enough room between one another to prevent them from sticking together.
5. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
6. Let them cool for a while and store them in an airtight container.

So, what's your go-to last-minute snack? We'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments down below!

 

6 Refreshing Drinks You Can Enjoy With Your Barbecue

Summer barbecues are a great chance to relax, unwind and indulge in the festivities with your loved ones. And the best part is that it is summer. It may be hot, but no need to sweat the menu. Whether you'll be spending it on the beach or on the grill, you will need ice cold refreshments. Here are a refreshing drinks you can combine with your barbecues that you and your guests will enjoy.

Blueberry lime juice¹

Perfect for a hot day. Sip along this sweet and tart homemade blueberry juice as you bask in the sun. Blend the blueberries and then add some lime juice. To garnish, place a few lemon rings on the glass and put a few berries in the glass. A sip of this gives you a touch of sweet and a hint of citrus perfect for a hot day. It is a healthy drink that is not overly sweet and your guests will surely enjoy.

Tart frozen margarita²

For guests who want to step out of the safe zone of fruit juices, this is a perfect drink for them. Make your homemade margarita mix and store it in the freezer the day before the party. Once the guests arrive blend ice cubes and the margarita mix, whirl it on ice crush. The drink is totally refreshing.

Watermelon lemonade³

Watermelon is the perfect summer fruit. If you are craving a refreshing drink that is non-alcoholic this recipe is for you. The best part is that it will keep you hydrated. Blend watermelon and sieve. Add some lime juice in it to give it tartness. Some guests can add gin to their drink if they so wish.

Pineapple and rum⁴

A perfect recipe for fancy cocktails. Soak pineapple chunks in sugar and hot water overnight in the fridge. Add lime water and rum. Lemon enhances the tartness of the pineapple. Add some sparkling water and mix. Garnish with lemon wedges.  Our freeze-dried pineapple chunks are perfect for these recipes after rehydrating with water.

Patriotic colored ice cream jar⁵

Lest we forget the children. Your kids will love this colored ice cream. You will need vanilla ice cream, whipping cream and blue and red food color and some sprinkles to top it up.
Divide vanilla ice cream into three. Mix two of the portions one with red food color and the other one with blue to resemble the national flag colors. Pour into the glass starting with white, then blue, then white again then red. Finish with a topping of whipped cream and sprinkles on top. Enjoy.

Fruity sangria⁵

Incorporates pineapple chunks, blueberries and raspberries. Gives you a punch of healthy antioxidants after indulging in grilled meat and barbecued fish.  Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Squeeze some lime juice. You can add some vodka or wine. If you want it alcohol-free, add mango juice. Refrigerate for a few hours and serve in wine glasses.
You can prepare frozen cocktails with summer fruit or serve wine and beer with ice cubes, just have a variety for your guests
Remember the important thing is to have fun, relax and enjoy the summer! Plan in advance to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Purchase our freeze-dried strawberries, pineapple chunks or any other fruit of your choice and exercise your creative muscles to make refreshing drinks for your loved ones.

 








References

1. https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/02/homemade-blueberry-lime-rickey-drink-recipe.html
2. https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/04/the-best-frozen-lime-margaritas-recipe-tequila-cocktail-for-parties.html
3. https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/06/easy-homemade-fresh-watermelon-limeade-summer-drink-recipe.html
4. https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/07/pineapple-rum-punch-recipe.html
5. https://www.rd.com/food/recipes-cooking/july-fourth-drinks/

5 Delicious BBQ Side Dish Recipes to Kick Off Summer The Tasty Way

When it comes to summer cookouts, burgers and grilled corn on the cob often steal the show. But, let us tell you that these treats wouldn't taste the same if they hadn't side dishes to up the ante. From refreshing and colorful veggies to easy-to-chew legumes, sides help add a little variety to the mix by introducing various flavors and textures to your menu. So, if you are ready to give your backyard party a tasty makeover, these five delicious BBQ side dish recipes will definitely hit the spot. Happy summer, everyone!

1. Baked Beans With Bacon Bits

Usually stationed next to grilled corn, baked beans are a summer cookout staple. However, this recipe goes way beyond the classic version by adding various drool-worthy ingredients to the mix, from bacon and Worcestershire sauce to feta cheese and molasses.
Ingredients:
1 ¼ cup dehydrated red beans
3/4 cup TVP bacon bits
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp dehydrated garlic
2/3 cup fresh tomato puree
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
½ cup molasses
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp cayenne pepper
½ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:

1. In a small pan, add 2 ½ cups of water and the red beans. Simmer for about 10-15 or until they are fork-tender. Remove from water and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, add 1 ½ cups of warm water and the TVP Bacon Bits to a bowl. Let them sit for about 15 minutes until the hydrate, and then remove the water. If needed, squeeze the Bacon Bits with your hands and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will remove all excess water.
3. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over low-medium heat.
4. Then, add the onion and cook for a couple of minutes until they turn golden.
5. Add the rest of the ingredients (besides the Feta cheese), turn the heat to low and place a lid on top of the saucepan.
6. Let the dish cook on the stove for about an hour or alternatively, transfer to a baking dish and bake to 350F until the sauce is thickened.
7. Once it does, remove from heat and sprinkle with Feta cheese. Serve.

2. Cucumber, Peppers and Fried Halloumi Salad

Let's be honest: Everything tastes better with cheese. But, mozzarella sticks and melted Parmesan are not exactly grill- friendly. That's why you need to break out the halloumi. This Greek cheese has an abnormally high melting point, which means you can fry it to your heart's content. So, are you ready to impress your guests?
Ingredients:
1 cup freeze dried cucumber dices
½ cup freeze dried red bell peppers
½ onion, peeled and chopped
5oz halloumi cheese
¼ cup olive oil
¾ cup balsamic vinegar
¾ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt, for seasoning
Directions:

1. Add 1 cup of water and the bell peppers in a saucepan and simmer for 10-20 minutes until they hydrate. Remove them from water and squeeze out the excess water.
2. Then, add 1 cup of water and the cucumber in a bowl and set aside for about 10 minutes.
3. While the cucumber rehydrates, grill the halloumi in a grill pan until it turns golden on both sides.
4. By now, the cucumber is rehydrated, so remove the excess water and add it along with the remaining ingredients in a salad bowl. Make sure you mix them well and season with more salt if needed.
5. Chill for 15-20 minutes and serve.

3. Sweet Corn Fritters

Despite looking fancy, fritters are one of the simplest summer side dishes to make, and this recipe is no exception. Featuring sweet corn as the main ingredient, this variation is the epitome of summer in one bite. The best part? You can serve these fritters with just about any dipping sauce, from guacamole to queso.
Ingredients:
1 cup freeze dried sweet corn
1/3 cup semolina flour
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup milk
½ tsp baking powder
½-1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
A handful of cilantro, finely chopped
Directions:

1. In a pan, add 1 cup of water and the sweet corn and simmer for 10-20 minutes or until they hydrate. Once hydrated, remove from water and squeeze away all remaining liquid. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, add the semolina and all-purpose flours, salt, pepper, cilantro, and baking powder. Whisk together.
3. Pour the milk gradually while stirring and combine the ingredients even more.
4. Stir in the sweet corn until the kernels are coated.
5. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
6. Using your hands, form balls with the mixture while pressing the mound until it's flattened.
7. Cook each ball for about 5 minutes or until it's brown on both sides. Serve immediately.

4. Parmesan Potato and Tomato Bake

If you are looking for an easy and yummy way to balance out the meat-to-veggies ratio of your summer cookout menu, this bake is a no-brainer. Containing various earthy ingredients such as potatoes, tomato, and zucchini, this BBQ side dish will undoubtedly make everyone smile out of contentment.
Ingredients:
½ cup freeze dried potatoes
½ cup dehydrated zucchini
2 tsp dehydrated garlic
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3-4 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. In a bowl, combine the all the ingredients and mix well until they are evenly combined.
3. Transfer to a baking dish along with 2 cups of water and bake for about 40 minutes or until they turn golden.
4. Once cooked through, remove from the oven and set aside to cool. You can sprinkle the veggies with more cheese if you want.

5. Mango Salsa

It's not every day that we see a tropical fruit making it into a salsa recipe, but we're totally digging it. Featuring basic ingredients, this Sriracha-infused salsa is also very easy to whip up, minimizing your time in the kitchen. Friendly tip: This dip may even work as an out-of-the-box topping for your baked pitas. So, get as creative as possible.
Ingredients:
½ cup freeze dried mangoes
1 tomato, seeded and diced
1 red onion, peeled and diced
2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
The juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
Directions:

1. In a bowl add 1 cup of water and the mangoes and let them sit until they hydrate.
2. Once they do, remove them from the water and get rid of excess fluids.
3. In a Ziploc bag, add the lime juice, salt, and red onion. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add all the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix them well.
5. Chill for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips, grilled meat or oven-baked pitas.

Final Thoughts

Newsflash: Steaks and hot dogs are not the only way to enjoy a BBQ feast. Truth is there's a wide variety of side dishes which can be even tastier than the usual culprits. So, gather your squad and get cooking 'cause another moment without these flavors is another moment wasted. Don't forget the drinks! #foodphilosophy

 

5 Healthy Treats For Mothers This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is here with us once more. A day dedicated to celebrating mothers. They are selfless humans who have sacrificed a lot to bring us into this world. They have nurtured us and we owe them, don’t we? We celebrate them for all the amazing things that they have done for us. Show your appreciation and wow your mother with these healthy, delicious Mother's Day treats.

Frozen Chocolate Banana bites¹

Bringing together the best recipes for Mother’s Day, this frozen banana bites is a Mother’s Day must have. Your dad will definitely want a taste of this. Offering the flavorful goodness of banana with a taste of chocolate. Frozen banana bites are easy to make with freeze dried bananas. Rehydrate a pack of banana chunks, then toss them in the freezer for one hour.
Mix half a cup of chocolate chips with half a cup of peanut butter. Microwave on high for one minute and stir until smooth. Dip the banana chunks into the peanut butter and chocolate mixture, then roll over the shredded coconut to coat on all sides. Put in the freezer again for an hour, then serve. It's such a tasty and healthy treat that your mom will love.

Peach and mango smoothie²

Surprise your mom with a glass of healthy sweet smoothie on Mother’s Day. You can serve her in the morning or as a refreshing afternoon snack or a dinner dessert.
You will need a pack of mango chunks, peach slices, a banana and sugar or honey according to your preference. Use freeze dried peach slices and mango chunks since they don’t require any washing peeling or slicing. You can make this delicious smoothie in under five minutes.
After rehydrating the fruits, place them in the blender. Add sugar or honey, ice cubes, and mango nectar and blend until smooth. Pour into your mom’s favorite glass and let her enjoy the awesomeness. You can serve it to her with a piece of cake.

Peaches & Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup³

This delicious fruit salad is refreshing for those hot summer afternoons while basking in the sun. Your mom will surely love this. You can pair with vanilla ice cream.
Select ripe peaches, or better still, buy a pack of our freeze dried peach slices. Put them on a plate and combine with a cup of blueberries and fresh mint. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on it and let them soak. You can add a little sugar. Cover and refrigerate for about 4-6 hours. Add a cup of blackberries or raspberries (or both) right before serving.

Banana Pancakes⁴

I'm pretty sure banana pancakes are one of the major reasons that bananas exist. Banana pancakes are easy to make and take a short time.
To prepare banana pancakes, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. You can add sugar or honey. Mash the rehydrated bananas with a fork in another bowl until smooth. Whisk in the eggs. Add milk and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Melt some butter and add to the banana mixture. Fold in flour a little at a time into the banana mixture until well blended. The batter should be thick.
Fry over a non-stick pan over medium heat. Alternatively, you can drop in hot oil and cook until brown. Flip the pancake to cook the both sides. Serve with sliced bananas while hot.

Mango Chunks Dessert ⁵

This dessert needs two ripe mangoes, agave syrup, and a yogurt topping. Put half of the chopped mango cubes in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Put the puree in a bowl and stir in agave syrup and almond extract. Place the remaining mango cubes in the food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped and set aside.
Make yogurt filling by mixing a cup of nonfat Greek yogurt with a cup of frozen whipping cream. Mix half of the mango puree and half of the yogurt mixture. Top up with the slightly processed mango cubes. Pour over the yogurt topping and cover. Refrigerate for about 8 hours and serve. It can be taken in the morning or during the afternoon. Yum!
This Mother’s Day, take time to treat your mom or the mom to your kids with these amazing healthy treats. And don’t forget to purchase freeze dried bananas, mangoes, and peaches, because you’ll need them for these recipes. Have fun.
Wishing all the awesome moms a Happy Mother’s Day.

 








References

1. http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2011/05/frozen-banana-bites.html
2. https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/peach-mango-smoothies.html
3. https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/peaches-berries-with-lemon-mint-syrup.html
4. http://www.redappleapron.com/banana-pancakes/
5. http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/263982/mango-tiramisu/

5 Delicious Strawberry Recipes to Celebrate Spring The Right Way

Strawberry-picking season is right upon us, and to be honest, we can't wait to get a taste of the sweet-tart fruit. But, while we could literally eat an entire carton (or in our case, pouch) in one sitting, we try to keep our excitement contained and think of other, more creative ways to enjoy this bite-sized berry. Luckily, strawberries can make friends with just about any food, from balsamic vinegar to white chocolate, so we know we're in for a wild ride. If your taste buds want in on the action, these five drool-worthy strawberry recipes are the perfect way to ring in spring like a champ.

1. Spinach & Strawberry Salad

In this out-of-the-ordinary salad, freeze dried sliced or whole strawberries and spinach play starring roles. But, while their performance is outstanding, they are supported by protein-rich feta cheese, pecans, and red onion which help take the dish to a whole new level. Dress it up in a delicious balsamic vinaigrette, and you've got yourself a spring salad everyone will drool over.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups baby spinach, rinsed
1 cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Half a red onion, sliced
1/2 cup pecans, crushed
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Instructions:

1. Add the freeze dried strawberries to a bowl along with one cup of water. Set aside for 15-20 minutes. Once they are hydrated, remove them from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. In a small saucepan, pour the balsamic vinegar and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until it's reduced by half.
3. Then, transfer to a bowl and add the olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and honey. Mix until they are evenly combined. You may need to add a little water.
4. In a salad, bowl, toss the hydrated strawberries, spinach, strawberries, pecans, feta, and the vinaigrette. Mix until all ingredients are coated with the vinegar sauce.

2. Strawberry White Chocolate Mousse

As the temps are slowly rising, we can't help but trade our oven-centric treats for no-bake desserts, and this delicious mousse is no exception. Helping you get used to the new status quo around your kitchen, this recipe calls for basic ingredients and has a few steps, all of which revolve around spring's most popular fruit, strawberries.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
½ cup white chocolate, melted
1/2 cup whipping cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp water
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the freeze dried whole or sliced strawberries along with half a cup of water. Set aside for 15 minutes. Pat them dry to remove excess water.
2. Add all the ingredients into a food processor and whisk on low speed until blended. You may need to add some more water, depending on the consistency of your preference.
3. Once the mousse is soft (about 4-5 minutes later), transfer to cups and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

3. Strawberry Meringue Puffs

Fluffy, airy, and ultra-delicious. Yes, you guessed it right. We're talking about meringue. This fat-free dessert is actually the healthiest way to celebrate the onset of spring thanks to its light nature. However, pavlovas are not the only dessert known to incorporate meringue into their primary set of ingredients. This strawberry meringue recipe also embraces the airy treat, making your taste buds swoon in every bite.
Ingredients:
½ cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
1 cup powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

6 egg whites
Pinch of salt
Instructions:

1. Add the freeze dried sliced or whole strawberries in a bowl along with half cup of water. Set aside for 15-20 minutes.
2. Then, transfer to a food processor and pulse until they form a paste.
3. Preheat the oven to 250^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. In a bowl, add the egg whites, vanilla extract and whisk with a hand mixer.
5. Next, add the powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.
6. Lastly, stir in the strawberry paste.
7. Transfer the meringue paste into a whipped cream pump and form small piles onto the baking sheet.
8. Place the sheet in the oven and turn it off. Let the meringues sit in there for about an hour and then remove them from the oven.

4. Strawberry Butter

We can all agree that just a little bit of butter can turn any dish from "meh" to "wow." But, adding strawberries to the mix can take this popular spread to the next level. Plus, it's super easy to make. Butter + strawberries + fridge. That's all it takes to turn your morning bagel into an almost gourmet dish.
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter, softened
1/4 cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp honey
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the freeze dried whole or sliced strawberries and one-quarter of water. Set aside for 15 minutes and remove from water. Make sure you pat them with a paper towel to get rid of excess water.
2. In a large bowl, add the butter and whisk it with a hand mixer to soften it.
3. Stir in the honey, vanilla extract, and strawberries and whisk until the spread turns pink and creamy.
4. Store in the fridge just like you would with regular butter.

5. Cucumber, Lime & Strawberry Water

Flavored water is nothing new. This colorful drink is actually one of the easiest ways to keep your body hydrated, and strawberries know what it takes to make every glass even more special. Thanks to their high content in vitamin C, the bright red berries also infuse the water with much-needed nutrients, making it all the more beneficial for us. So, are you ready to adopt some healthy habits this spring?
Ingredients:
2 quarts water
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
1 small lime, sliced
Ice cubes
Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients in a 2-quart pitcher.
2. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes, and then remove them from the pitcher.

Which of these recipes are you dying to try out? Let us know in the comment section down below!