Inspirations by Nancy
Cooking with Nancy O: Sweet and Savory Strawberry Bites and Delectable Fruit Pizza
Episode Summary
Join Nancy and Rick for a delightful episode featuring their homegrown strawberries from their tower garden. Learn about the nutritional benefits of strawberries, including their high vitamin C content and essential minerals. Get step-by-step instructions on making delicious strawberry bites with brie cheese and a delectable oatmeal cookie-based fruit pizza topped with cream cheese, yogurt, and fresh fruits. Nancy also shares tips on using balsamic glaze and different types of basil. Throughout the episode, Nancy and Rick emphasize the joy of gardening and spending quality time with family. Check out Nancy’s YouTube page to see the full cooking show and get even more out of this episode! www.youtube.com/@nancysurbantowerfarm
Episode Notes
"Have you any idea how many children it takes to turn off one light in the kitchen? Three. It takes one to say 'What light?' and two more to say 'I didn't turn it on.’ " - Erma Bombeck
Episode Summary:
Join Nancy and Rick for a delightful episode featuring their homegrown strawberries from their tower garden. Learn about the nutritional benefits of strawberries, including their high vitamin C content and essential minerals. Get step-by-step instructions on making delicious strawberry bites with brie cheese and a delectable oatmeal cookie-based fruit pizza topped with cream cheese, yogurt, and fresh fruits. Nancy also shares tips on using balsamic glaze and different types of basil. Throughout the episode, Nancy and Rick emphasize the joy of gardening and spending quality time with family.
Check out Nancy’s YouTube page to see the full cooking show and get even more out of this episode! www.youtube.com/@nancysurbantowerfarm
In This Episode:
- The nutritional benefits of strawberries.
- Growing strawberries on a tower garden.
- How to make strawberry bites.
- Making a balsamic glaze.
- Fruit pizza on an oatmeal cookie crust.
Today’s Recipes: Strawberry Bites and Oatmeal Cookie Fruit Pizza
Strawberry Bites
Ingredients:
- 12 fresh strawberries
- 12 small pieces of Brie cheese
- 12 basil leaves (preferably Thai basil)
- Toothpicks
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash and dry the strawberries.
- Insert a toothpick through the side of each strawberry, making sure it's secure and not top-heavy.
- Add the Basil Leaf:
- Thread one basil leaf onto each toothpick, placing it next to the strawberry.
- Prepare the Brie Cheese:
- Cut the Brie cheese into small pieces.
- Place each piece of Brie into a small candy paper to help it hold its shape.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Attach a piece of Brie cheese to the toothpick, securing it with the strawberry and basil.
- Add Balsamic Glaze:
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over each assembled bite.
- If making your own glaze, reduce 1 cup of balsamic vinegar over medium heat in a small saucepan until it reduces to about 1/4 cup (10-14 minutes).
- Serve:
- Arrange the strawberry bites on a pretty plate for presentation and enjoy!
Oatmeal Cookie Fruit Pizza
Ingredients for the Oatmeal Cookie Base:
- 1 1/2 cups oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Ingredients for the Topping:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Assorted fruits: strawberries, blueberries, kiwi (or any fruit of your choice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oatmeal Cookie Base:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, egg, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; the mixture will be slightly crumbly.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking stone or cookie sheet, shaping it into a 10-inch round cookie.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Let the cookie cool completely before adding the topping.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Fruit Pizza:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled oatmeal cookie base.
- Arrange the fruit on top, starting with the strawberries, then adding kiwi, blueberries, or any other fruit you prefer.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy this delicious, fruity dessert!
This recipe is a fun and healthy twist on a classic fruit pizza, perfect for any gathering or family dessert!
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