I love cooking with berries. It's one of my favorite things to do that doesn't have much to do with vegetables or time spent in the veggie garden. Of course, some time must be spent preparing an area in your garden, then taking care of & growing your little fruits. But the payoff is a fun, rewarding and tasty treat for you & every one around you (if you are kind enough to share!). Here's one of my favorite recipes.

January is the best time to find some of the best tasting and easy to grow fruits and berries here at the nursery. Most varieties have been tried, tested and approved by our panel of “sweet-treat experts”!

Have fun in the garden (and kitchen) this year!

— Che

Mixed Berry Tart with Strawberry Cream

cook time: 35 min. / prep time: 35 min.

• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 3 3/4 cups chopped strawberries & other fresh berries
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tbsp. powdered sugar
• Fresh mint and/or edible flowers to garnish
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• Heat oven to 350F.
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• Lightly spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Remove pie crust from pouch; unroll on cookie sheet.
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• In medium bowl, mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and the cornstarch. Gently stir in 3 cups of the strawberries. Spoon onto center of crust, spreading to within 2 inches of edge. Fold 2-inch crust edge up over filling, pleating decoratively. Brush crust edge with water; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon granulated sugar.
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• Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
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• Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat whipping cream and powdered sugar with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. In another small bowl, mash remaining 1/4 cup strawberries, fold in whipping cream. Serve tart with strawberry whipped cream. Garnish with fresh mint and/or edible flowers!
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• Makes 8 servings.