Simply strawberry

So good they can be eaten in a single bite

We love strawberries and have found the best strawberry dishes are the ones that let strawberries shine, a little lemon here, a little balsamic there, a bit of basil or honey, a touch of sugar, a sprig of mint.

Here’s one of our recent creations, followed by some of our favorites — all of which call for only a few ingredients.

Strawberry season is too short.

Strawberry Bruschetta

• 4 ounces goat cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp honey
• juice from 1/2 lemon, plus 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced thin
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh basil
• 18-20 wheat crackers or crostini (something with a touch of sweetness works well)

Mix sliced strawberries with juice from half a lemon and sugar. Sit aside and let macerate at room temperature. Mix the remaining lemon juice, honey and goat cheese. Use a hand mixer if needed. Spread about a teaspoon of the goat cheese mix on each cracker. Top with two to four strawberry slices, using a slotted spoon to drain excess juice. (Just drink the leftover juice when no one’s looking.) Sprinkle with basil and serve with bubbly.

And now for the strawberry highlight reel:

Strawberries with basil and balsamic

These do not qualify as Christmas colors

Strawberries with grape, mint and vanilla

The word to remember is fresh

Strawberries in Grand Marnier

Hey look it's the Pyrex, again.

Strawberry granita

Katherine took the place mats back after this shoot

Strawberry Preserves

Biscuits and jam the perfect meal

Stuffed strawberries with ricotta and chocolate

They look like soldiers in formation, yummy little soldiers

Mixed berry zabaglione

Jello pudding has nothing on this

Strawberry, Amaretto dip

Overripe? Never.

Strawberries Romanoff

Each layer could be eaten alone if you really had that kind of time

Strawberry lemonade

That candle has to be lit until Sept. 30