Leon County Cooks: Chavers Strawberry Patch

Gene and Eric Chavers' roots run deep in our neighboring county to the north. Sherry's Shots Few foods make the ole mouth water like fresh, red strawberries, and they look so good on a Memorial Day table. There are few places close by to pick the beautiful treats but just north of Buffalo on Highway 75, almost to Fairfield, is the Strawberry Patch owned and operated by a father and son team Gene and Eric Chavers.

The Chavers are no newcomers to the area since their family settled in Fairfield in 1871. The Strawberry Patch is on family land and began just three years ago with one acre. Gene said his first goal was to make it through the first year without losing money and he accomplished that goal.

Eric has a degree from A&M in environmental soil science and has put his knowledge to good use. The rows of berries are raised and covered with black plastic material. When you pick the berries they are laying on the plastic out of the sand. You can buy strawberries in the store, but they simply do not come close to the sweetness of these jewels.

The Chavers began with one acre of strawberries and now have another acre which they plan to use for commercial clients. They also planted four rows of blackberries last winter and they are just beginning to ripen. Next year they plan to have a full acre of blackberries.

Most people think of strawberry shortcake when they think of strawberry desserts and for sure it is good and easy. But who doesn't lust after those beautiful large, red dipped berries that are popping up at parties and receptions everywhere. Well the truth is, they are really easy to make and you can be a real Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray, whichever you prefer. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries 24 - 30 perfectly ripened strawberries, green caps intact 6 oz chocolate chips (your choice - sweet, semi-sweet, milk or white chocolate)

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chips using either the defrost setting or 10-percent power in the microwave. Use two to three minute increments until smooth.

When you dip the strawberry into the melted chocolate, give it a little shake as you withdraw it. This will fill in all the cracks and leave a nice, even line of chocolate at the base. When the strawberry is completely withdrawn from the chocolate, swirl it in a quick, clockwise motion to "spin" the dripping chocolate off.

Cool covered strawberries on a sheet pan with wax paper. Keep them at a cool room temperature and try to dip them the same day you serve them.

Strawberry Shortcake (on the Bisquick box)

4 cups sliced fresh strawberries 1/2 cup sugar 2 1/3 cups Bisquick mix ½ cup milk 3 tbsp sugar 3 tbsp butter, melted 1 cup whipping cream (beat in small mixing bowl until peaks form and add ¼ cup sugar. Beat until blended)

Mix strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar; set aside. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tbsp sugar and butter until soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped cream. ( you can use Cool Whip but the real stuff is better) Really easy Strawberry dessert 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries ½ cup sugar Mix strawberries and 12 cup sugar. Do this about an hour before serving Buy an angel food cake and cut it into slices Cover each slice with strawberries and juice Top with whipped cream or whipped topping