Sweet, Sweet Strawberries

When I was growing up, my brothers and sisters and I waged an ongoing competition in our backyard garden—the kid who found the first plump, juicy strawberry of the season was an instant household hero. Come spring, we secretly checked the patch every day, dodging behind a forsythia bush if an intruder appeared. Only once in my entire childhood was I the proud winner of the prize berry. I'll never forget the day—I walked into the house gently holding my strawberry, dipped it into the sugar bowl, and devoured it in front of all my siblings.

A strawberry is a true gem—bright red, shiny and sweet. If yours is a family of berry fans, it is well worth the time to plant a few strawberry plants in your yard. With proper care, they will return year after year and grow along with your children (not to mention take over the backyard!). While you are waiting for the plants to bear fruit—the first-year flowers should be pinched off—you can pick up a pint of strawberries at a roadside stand or, better yet, go on a strawberry-picking jaunt with your family.

Deanna F. Cook is the editor of FAMILYFUN'S COOKBOOK, FAMILYFUN'S CRAFTS and FAMILYFUN'S PARTIES, all from Hyperion.