Strawberry season arrives

One of summer’s sweetest flavors has arrived.

Growers in the Green Bluff area and Newman Lake U-pick favorite Carver Farms are reporting that it is strawberry time.

Green Bluff farms will be hosting the annual Strawberry Festival on weekends starting Saturday. Check with a favorite grower for strawberry picking times. For those who are hoping to find strawberries at the farmers markets, be sure to arrive early.

Look inside today’s Food section for a listing of area farmers markets.

Sweet gelato

I’m not sure whether another temptation from Sweet Frostings Blissful Bakeshop is fair.

Owners Judy Rozier and Sally Winfrey have added gelato to the shop, including one that incorporates the bakery’s scrumptious salted caramel cupcakes. There is a bit of seating outside and in for those who would like to linger with their treats.

Sweet Frostings is at 15 S. Washington St.

Muffin tin madness

Who doesn’t love a miniature version of a full-sized favorite?

“The Muffin Tin Cookbook” author Brette Sember, with registered dietitian Melinda Boyd, uses mini, regular and jumbo muffin tins to create everything from single-serving Inside Out Samosas to Mini Blueberry Pies.

They like the built-in portion control – each recipe includes a nutrition information breakdown – and the kid-friendly results. I just think they’re cute.

Look inside the Food section for Black Bottom Strawberry Cheesecake from “The Muffin Tin Cookbook,” (Adams Media, $17.95).