Strawberries and Tangrias

Now that the rain has finally subsided, atleast for 8 hours, it is a good time to descend upon the fresh strawberries that are being grown locally. The taste is superior to anything you will find in a supermarket. There are so many uses for strawberries, including a fruity sangria. I searched for recipes online, of course, looking for the easiest one that I could dabble with and alter. I had some strawberries, some wine in the fridge that someone had brought over during the last dinner party and temps that were getting sticky and humid. Perfect for experimenting with a summer drink. My altered recipe: Tang to substitute the sugar (a few tablespoons will do), freshly squeezed orange, lime and lemon, grape juice (the real stuff) a bottle of white wine, tonic water (I only used what was left in the bottle), some water and ice and a splash or a bit more of brandy with strawberries and fresh spearmint from the garden. The trick is to let it sit overnight . It actually gets better as you let it sit for a few days. Greg did the canning thing with the strawberries but he is trying to figure the sweetness barometer. If anyone has the knack for canning the strawberries, please do post. We will use the 9 or so jelly jars for going in plain yogurt for breakfast or served over ice cream. Fortunately, in Sterling we have one of the best ice cream stands in town - Rota Spring Farms - http://massfarmstands.com/rotaspringfarm.htm. Hope you are enjoying the sunshine today and don't let the string of storms that are in the forecast stop you from enjoying the garden! Hope you'll follow and post...Annie