by Sophie Leopold
Eating seasonally kills two birds with one stone. To become an economically savvy shopper purchase produce at its peak of abundance, and cook with what’s growing at the moment to access the tastiest food. Springtime is beloved by chefs for the arrival of its crisp, yet delicate greens. But what to do for those with a mini fridge instead of a gas range? Head to the farmer’s market, and snatch up a box of freshly picked strawberries. Then, make the most of their ripeness window with the following breakfast ideas.
PB and J (almost) Grownup
To those childhood peanut butter and jelly lovers seeking an update to their old favorite, look no further. Sweet spring strawberries are a fun, fresh swap to revamp this classic sandwich. The best part? It’s just as easy to make as the original. Start with two slices of whole grain or sourdough bread spread and two tablespoons of peanut butter. There are no hard rules here either: try almond, cashew or sunflower seed butters. Then, top with a layer of fresh, sliced strawberries and assemble the sandwich. Serve, and bask in the nostalgia reimagined.
Strawberry Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a great vehicle for incorporating the highlights of any season. This spring, consider trying a sweet and savory combination on your next avocado smash. Toast a slice of whole grain or sourdough bread, and spread with half of an avocado. Next, add a few sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of sea salt. If on hand, try a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to really take this to the next level. Goat or feta cheese, and fresh basil or arugula are also ideal embellishments. Embrace creativity and explore the possibilities.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie
The more breakfast tastes like dessert, the better day ahead. This smoothie leans toward milkshake flavor territory, but has all of the components for a healthy morning jumpstart.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk, plus extra water if needed
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tbsp almond or cashew butter
1 tbsp cocoa powder
a few drops of vanilla extract
1 serving of unflavored protein powder
½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
handful fresh or frozen spinach
Add the ingredients to a blender in the order listed. Blitz together until smooth; stopping to stir or add water if needed to get things moving. Pour into a glass and drink immediately.
