Ontario strawberries are now available at farmers' markets and in local produce sections of supermarkets. And let's face it, Ontario strawberries are much more tastier than their larger cousins from California and Florida that have to ripen on the road instead of in the field.
Strawberries and cream or whipping cream with chocolate
shavings makes a simple elegant dessert. Or pair berries with
cake for the classic strawberry shortcake.
For a main course treat, try this pasta dish that combines strawberries, grilled chicken and whole grain pasta.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 23 minutes
Serves 4 to 6
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cups (750 mL) whole wheat rotini pasta
2 cups (500 mL) sliced strawberries
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 large greenhouse orange or yellow sweet pepper, chopped
1/3 cup (75 mL) chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup (50 mL) chèvre cheese, crumbled
Dijon honey dressing:  
3 tbsp (45 mL) each white wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive
oil
2 tbsp (25 mL) balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, put through garlic press or minced
1 tsp (5 mL) liquid honey
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
Dressing: In bowl, whisk together wine vinegar, oil,
balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic, honey, salt and pepper.
(Make-ahead: can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days.)
Salad: Remove 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the dressing and brush both
sides of chicken. Place on greased grill over medium-high heat;
close lid and grill, turning once, until chicken is no longer
pink inside, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to cutting board and
let stand for 5 minutes. Slice diagonally into thin strips.
(Make-ahead: can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24
hours.)
In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, about 13 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold water.
In serving bowl, combine pasta, strawberries, green onions,
sweet pepper, basil and chicken; toss with remaining dressing.
Sprinkle with cheese; toss again. Taste and adjust seasonings
if necessary.
(Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of
cooked chicken. Boneless chicken breasts should reach 170 F (77
C).)
One serving:  protein: 23 grams;  fat: 10 grams;
carbohydrates: 47 grams ; calories: 363
 Dessert in a glass - what could be simpler? The secret to a tasty milkshake is to make sure that all ingredients are ice cold and, better yet, serve in chilled glasses.
 Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Serves 4
3 cups (750 mL) strawberries, halved
2 cups (500 mL) light vanilla ice cream
3/4 cup (175 mL) 2% milk
1/2 cup (125 mL) light spreadable cream cheese
3 tbsp (45 mL) graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp (5 mL) fresh lemon juice
4 strawberries
In blender, combine halved strawberries, ice cream, milk,
cream cheese, graham crumbs and lemon juice; process until
smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides occasionally. Serve
each shake garnished with a strawberry.
Enjoy these shakes all year round. Freeze washed, hulled,
ripe juicy Ontario strawberries in quantity needed. At time of
preparation, defrost until ice crystals remain and proceed with
recipe.
One cup serving: protein: 9 grams; fat: 10 grams; carbohydrates: 35 grams,  calories: 266
Recipes courtesy of Ontario Foodland