Southern Strawberries

Submitted by Christi

I love strawberries! I decided to try out an idea I had brewing in my brain this past weekend. I took the lemon-thyme cookie dough that I just loved and used it as a crust for individual tart pans.

The dough made a beautifully flaky crust for my tarts with a nice lemony, thyme flavor.

In an effort to keep this figure friendly, I added cool whip free (the one with the South Beach diet approval) and lots (3 or more) of sliced strawberries that had been sweetened with Splenda. I added a little lemon zest on top for color and flavor.

Oh, and by the way, I substituted Splenda in the cookie recipe as well. It was delicious. Think this might be a keeper. Try it and tell me what you think!

Today’s Lagniappe: Lemon Thyme Cookies
I know I have posted this a couple of times before. This time is with my new notes!

* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar (substitute Splenda)
* 1 tablespoon snipped fresh thyme
* 2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (increase this to 3 tablespoons for a more lemony flavor)
* 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* Coarse sugar or granulated sugar (skip this or substitute Splenda)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Beat the butter in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar until combined. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in thyme, lemon peel,  and lemon juice. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Knead until smooth; form mixture into a ball.

2. Divide dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6×4 1/2-inch rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick) on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into 1 1/2-inch squares with a scalloped-edge pastry wheel. Sprinkle cutouts with coarse sugar. Place cutouts on ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are just lightly brown. Transfer to wire racks and let cool. Makes 36 cookies.

4. To store: Place cookies in layers separated by pieces of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies, if frozen, before serving.

Note:  If you want to use this in a tart pan, you will need to add more flour and be sure to flour your hands well!

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12 Responses to “Southern Strawberries”

  1. Brenda Says:

    Wow, that looks really yummy. I love the idea of using splenda instead of sugar.

  2. Sherry Says:

    Yum! That looks great especially with fresh strawberries!
    Have a great day!
    Sherry

  3. Amanda @ Mommy's Idea Book Says:

    Now, I wish I had bought the strawberries that were on sale at Kroger this week. I love just about any dessert that has strawberries in it and this looks delicious.

  4. Sherry Says:

    Those look fantastic! I liked your Lemon Thyme cookie recipe. What a great idea to turn it into a tart. So clever and so yummy.

  5. Beverly Says:

    that looks soooo good!!!

  6. Aubree Cherie Says:

    I’m salivating – this looks heavenly!

    ~Aubree Cherie

  7. alisa Says:

    Seriously YUMMY!! that’s all I can say….yum!

  8. April Harris Says:

    What a lovely idea – particularly for this time of year when strawberries are so plentiful. I had never thought about using herbs with fruit until I had a delicious peach and basil sorbet in New York City, but it is amazing how fruit and herbs compliment each other.

  9. Is there a sugar substitute to use when home brewing beer? | Keg-o-Beer Says:

    […] Southern Strawberries […]

  10. DeniseMarie Says:

    I see 3 or more strawberries on a delicious looking cookie!!

    beautiful.

  11. Cheri Peoples Says:

    Hey Christi–I tried calling the office so I can do a purchase but no one was there. When is a good time to catch you. I have to take my son to the orthodontist tomorrow morning.

    Cheri

  12. angie Says:

    this looks really good

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