Oh, the sheer delight of a sun-kissed afternoon spent in the glorious Dutch countryside, basket in hand, on a mission to gather nature’s candy! While the term “fruit” is wonderfully broad, in the Netherlands, few experiences sing quite as sweetly as strawberry picking.

Imagine this: You’re strolling through a “pluktuin” (pick-your-own garden/farm), the air alive with the buzz of happy bees and the laughter of families. Rows upon rows of vibrant green leaves stretch out before you, dotted with countless ruby-red gems. The sweet, unmistakable scent of ripe strawberries hangs deliciously in the air, beckoning you closer.

Whether you’re bending low with friends, exchanging excited whispers about the size of your latest find, or teaching little ones the art of gently detaching the perfect berry from its stem, it’s an experience that’s pure, unadulterated joy. There’s an almost meditative quality to seeking out the plumpest, juiciest strawberries hidden beneath the leaves, a quiet satisfaction as your basket slowly fills up with your glistening, hand-picked bounty. And, let’s be honest, who can resist sneaking a little taste (or three!) directly from the plant? It’s practically a rule of engagement! Your fingers might get a little sticky, your knees a little grassy, but your heart will be utterly full.

Bringing Your Berry Bonanza Home!

So, you’ve returned from your fruitful (pun intended!) adventure, triumphantly clutching baskets overflowing with your delicious haul. Now what? The possibilities are as endless as the rows of strawberries you just conquered!

Ways to Enjoy Your Freshly Picked Strawberries:

  • Simply Divine: Wash them gently and eat them straight up! Their natural sweetness is often all you need.
  • Classic Comfort: Serve them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of sugar. Pure bliss!
  • Breakfast Boost: Slice them over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, oatmeal, or blend them into a vibrant smoothie.
  • Sweet Treats: They’re the star of pies, tarts, crumbles, cheesecakes, and shortcakes.
  • Slightly Savory: Believe it or not, strawberries are fantastic in fresh salads, especially with goat cheese, balsamic glaze, and nuts.
  • Refreshing Drinks: Infuse them in water, muddle them into cocktails, or blend them into a cool lemonade.

Sweet & Savory Strawberry Recipes

1. Quintessentially Delicious Strawberry Shortcake

This classic is a celebration of fresh strawberries, perfectly complemented by a tender biscuit and creamy goodness.

Ingredients:

  • For the Shortcakes:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
    • 1 tbsp baking powder
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
    • 3/4 cup milk (plus a little extra for brushing)
  • For the Strawberries:
    • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
  • For the Whipped Cream:
    • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, very cold
    • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to macerate and release their juices.
  2. Make the Shortcakes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 tbsp sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
  3. Add the milk all at once and mix with a fork until just combined (don’t overmix!). The dough will be shaggy.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 3-4 times, just enough to bring it together. Pat or roll the dough to about 3/4-inch thickness. Use a 2 1/2 to 3-inch round cutter (or a knife to cut squares) to cut out shortcakes. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra milk.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
  6. Whip the Cream: While the shortcakes cool, in a large, chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until medium-stiff peaks form.
  7. Assemble: To serve, split each shortcake horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries over the bottom half, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and then place the top half of the shortcake. Garnish with a bit more cream and a whole strawberry if desired.

2. Refreshing Strawberry & Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

This vibrant salad perfectly balances the sweetness of strawberries with tangy goat cheese and a rich balsamic dressing.

Ingredients:

  • For the Salad:
    • 5 oz (approx. 140g) mixed salad greens (like spring mix or arugula)
    • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or quartered
    • 4 oz (approx. 115g) fresh goat cheese, crumbled
    • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
    • 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
    • 3 tbsp good quality balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
    • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, gently combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted nuts (if using). Add the thinly sliced red onion if you like a bit of a bite.
  3. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful symphony of flavors!

A Berry Delicious Cocktail: The Strawberry Basil Smash

This refreshing cocktail is a fantastic way to enjoy your freshly picked strawberries, with a fragrant herbal twist.

Ingredients:

  • 5-6 fresh strawberries, hulled
  • 3-4 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 oz gin (or vodka, for a lighter taste)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.75 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated to dissolve sugar, then cooled)
  • Splash of soda water or tonic (optional, for fizz)
  • Ice
  • Extra strawberry and basil sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Muddle: In a cocktail shaker, add the hulled strawberries and basil leaves. Gently muddle them to release the juices from the strawberries and the aromatics from the basil. Don’t over-muddle the basil, or it can become bitter.
  2. Combine: Add the gin (or vodka), fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into a chilled rock glass filled with fresh ice (this helps remove any small fruit or herb bits).
  5. Top & Garnish: If desired, top with a splash of soda water or tonic for a bit of fizz. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and a sprig of basil.

Enjoy your hand-picked bounty – whether it’s enjoyed simply as nature intended, baked into a delightful dessert, tossed in a vibrant salad, or shaken into a spirited cocktail, it’s a taste of the Netherlands that’s truly worth picking yourself!