Red Porridge with Cream (Rød Grød med Fløde)

When I was 16, I lived in Denmark for 6 months.  Some of my nearest and dearest friends are Danish and I grew up with special Scandinavian traditions and specialities mixed into my life back on Bainbridge.  I think “rød grød med fløde” or Red Porridge with Cream is the prize of Denmark…well, at least during strawberry season, anyway.  It is a simple dessert, consisting of stewed red berries (traditionally strawberries), a little sugar, cornstarch and touch of lemon with a splash of cream.  For those of you who have ever visited Denmark, I’m sure you have been asked to pronounce the “impossible”.   For those of you planning a visit, start practicing early and prepare yourself for friendly humiliation, as it’s a mouthful.  Consider it “Danish hazing” and you’re now in the family.

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 8 (the sweetness of this recipe varies depending on sweetness of your strawberries so taste, taste, taste!)

1. 2.5 lbs Strawberries, cleaned and quartered

2. 1/2 cup sugar (if Strawberries are under ripe, you may want to add a little more sugar)

3. 1 lemon, zest and juice

4. 2 Tbs cornstarch mixed with 3 Tbs water

5. Heavy Whipping Cream

PREPARATION:

1. Combine strawberries, sugar and zest in a large pot and simmer 15 – 20 minutes on medium-low until strawberries begin to break down and mixture becomes soupy.  I like to maintain some of the berry texture in the porridge.  You can continue simmering until mixture consistency is to your liking.

2. Add cornstarch and water mixture.  Simmer an additional 3 minutes.

3. Add lemon juice just before removing from heat to brighten berry flavors.

4. Place in a temperature safe bowl and chill in fridge for 1+ hour.

5. Serve in a small bowl with a drizzle of heavy cream.

When I was little, instead of a birthday cake, my mom would make me this.  I would sit and eat the entire serving bowl.  Kids love this of all ages.  Our nephews and niece 3-7 y/o love this dessert too and have so much fun trying to pronounce the name!  Happy Strawberry Pickin’…

Before you eat it, you have to say it:)

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