15 Days of Elgin Christmas- Day 3

December 5

Strawberry Caramels

On the third day of Elgin Christmas, we're celebrating with sweet, juicy strawberries. I realize locally grown strawberries aren't available at this time of year. This is when the art of preserving shows its value- I used berries that were washed and hulled back in June and then stored them away like a chipmunk. Flats and flats of berries were made into preserves, juiced into lemonade and some frozen whole. It's those whole strawberries I used to make chewy, creamy caramels.

Flats of Strawberries

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The berries are thawed, passed through a juicer and then boiled until the liquid has become very, berry intensely flavoured. Into the pot goes butter, cream and sugar then the mixture is boiled until it reaches the magical temperature of 252 degrees Fahrenheit (firm-ball stage). After being poured into a parchment lined pan, the caramel is allowed to cool, then cut into small pieces.

Caramels have a very complex flavour and texture. They are chewy, viscous, sticky & creamy. Many flavours blend well with caramel, including fruits, nuts, chocolate and alcoholic liquors. Apple Cinnamon Caramels are still my favourite flavour, but strawberry is a close second.

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Berry Hill is closed for the season, but you can be the first in line when they open in Spring 2013!
Berry Hill Fruit Farm | 48937 Glencolin Line | RR#7 Aylmer, Ontario | Canada N5H 2R6
Phone: 519-773-5688 | Fruit Stand: 519-765-1752 |
E-mail: farmerdick@berryhillfruitfarm.com