Okay, so I’ve been on this massive health kick lately, right? Trying to cut out all the bad stuff, especially sugar. But, man, do I have a sweet tooth! Strawberries are in season right now, and they’re my absolute favorite, so I thought, “Why not try to make some desserts that won’t totally derail my diet?”
First, I wanted to see if I could just can some strawberries without adding a bunch of sugar. I found this tip online about using just a little bit of water. Basically, I tossed about 2 pounds of strawberries into a pot with like, half a cup of water, and let it simmer. I cooked them for a few minutes until they got all juicy, and then I packed them into some jars. I’m not a canning expert, but it seemed to work pretty well. Now I’ve got some strawberries on hand that aren’t loaded with sugar. I can’t wait to use this strawberry sauce.
Next, I really wanted to figure out how to make these strawberries taste amazing without resorting to regular sugar. I’ve heard people talk about “naturally sweetened” stuff, using things like honey, maple syrup, or even dates. I even saw something about coconut sugar, but I haven’t tried that yet. I mean it still tastes sweet, but is it better for you? I’m not sure about that.
Macerating the Strawberries
Then, I stumbled upon this trick with balsamic vinegar, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! Apparently, the acid in the vinegar helps break down the strawberries and makes them super juicy without needing any sugar at all.
- I just sliced up a bunch of strawberries.
- Then, drizzled them with some balsamic vinegar in a bowl.
- Gave it all a good mix.
- Let it sit for a bit.
They were so good!
Last but not least, I found some sugar-free strawberry preserves at the store. I know, I know, it’s probably not as good as homemade, but it was worth a shot, and actually, it is pretty good. I used it to make a simple parfait with some Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. It hit the spot, for sure. And it was great on toast. My kids like it as well.
So, yeah, that’s my little adventure into the world of sugar-free strawberry desserts. It’s definitely been a learning experience, and I’m excited to keep experimenting. If any of you have any tips or recipes, please let me know. Let’s stay healthy together!
