Strawberry Club Sandwiches

Delicious Strawberry Club Sandwiches Recipe with Cream Cheese and Walnuts

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Strawberry Club Sandwiches are a delightful and unique twist on the classic club sandwich. This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh California strawberries with creamy cheese and crunchy walnuts, all sandwiched between slices of pound cake. It's a perfect treat for a special brunch or afternoon tea.

History

The Strawberry Club Sandwiches recipe is a modern take on the traditional club sandwich, which typically consists of layers of meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato between slices of bread. This sweet version swaps out the savory ingredients for a delicious combination of strawberries, cream cheese, and pound cake.

Ingredients

6 oz (170 g) of light cream cheese, softened (0.75 of an 8 oz (227 g) package)
2 tbsp of frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 tbsp of honey
0.33 cup of chopped toasted walnuts
1 preheated pound cake loaf (10.75 to 12 oz (340 g)), thawed if frozen
2 pt (946 ml) of fresh California strawberries, stemmed
0.5 cup of whipping cream, whipped and lightly sweetened

How to prepare

In a small bowl, beat the cheese, orange juice concentrate, and honey together until thoroughly blended; mix in the walnuts.
Cut the cake into 12 equal slices.
Slice one basket of strawberries.
Spread the cheese mixture onto one side of 4 cake slices.
Top with half of the sliced strawberries and more cheese mixture; place on top of the first 4 cake slices.
Cover with the remaining sliced strawberries.
Spread the remaining cheese mixture onto one side of the remaining cake slices; place the cheese sides down on the sandwiches.
Cut the sandwiches diagonally into halves and skewer each with a sandwich pick.
Serve the sandwiches with the remaining strawberries, halved and divided equally.
Dollop with whipped cream and garnish with mint sprigs, if desired.

Variations

Try using different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, in place of the walnuts.
Substitute the pound cake with angel food cake for a lighter version of the sandwich.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh California strawberries for the best flavor and texture.

- Thaw the pound cake if frozen before assembling the sandwiches.

- Toasting the walnuts adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor to the sandwich.

- Be sure to whip the cream until it is just lightly sweetened to balance out the sweetness of the strawberries and honey.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry Club Sandwiches with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the walnuts adds a depth of flavor to the sandwich and enhances their crunchiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have frozen orange juice concentrate, you can use fresh orange juice instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese mixture and slice the strawberries ahead of time, but it's best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the pound cake from getting soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Strawberry Club Sandwiches with fresh mint sprigs for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Strawberry Club Sandwiches with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity iced tea for a refreshing and elegant meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pound cake may become slightly soggy, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Club Sandwiches contains approximately 320 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Club Sandwiches contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Club Sandwiches contains approximately 18 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Club Sandwiches contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese and whipped cream) and nuts (walnuts).

Summary

Strawberry Club Sandwiches are a delicious and indulgent treat that is relatively high in fat and calories due to the cream cheese, whipped cream, and pound cake. However, they also provide a good amount of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals from the strawberries.

Summary

Strawberry Club Sandwiches are a unique and delicious dessert or brunch option that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with creamy cheese and crunchy walnuts. This recipe is a fun twist on the classic club sandwich and is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Strawberry Club Sandwiches. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. Margaret was always trying out new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen, and I loved spending time with her and learning from her culinary skills.

On this particular day, Margaret had invited me over for a garden party with a few friends. As we sat on her porch sipping tea and chatting, Margaret disappeared into the kitchen and emerged a few minutes later with a platter of the most delightful looking sandwiches I had ever seen. They were tall and layered with strawberries, cream cheese, and mint leaves, all between slices of toasted bread. I had never seen anything like it before, and I couldn't wait to try one.

Margaret handed me a sandwich and as soon as I took a bite, I was hooked. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, and fresh mint was absolutely divine. I asked Margaret for the recipe, and she laughed and told me that it was a family secret that had been passed down through generations. But she promised to teach me how to make them the next time I visited.

True to her word, Margaret spent the entire afternoon teaching me how to make her famous Strawberry Club Sandwiches. She showed me how to slice the strawberries just right, how to mix the cream cheese with a touch of honey for sweetness, and how to assemble the sandwiches so they looked picture perfect. It was a labor of love, but I loved every minute of it.

As we sat down to enjoy our creations, Margaret told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that her grandmother had come up with the idea for the sandwiches one summer when strawberries were in abundance in their garden. Her grandmother had wanted to create something light and refreshing for a garden party, and the Strawberry Club Sandwiches were born.

Over the years, Margaret had tweaked the recipe and added her own twist to it, but the essence of the dish remained the same. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and every time she made them, it brought back fond memories of her grandmother and the summers they had spent together in the garden.

After that day, I started making the Strawberry Club Sandwiches for every special occasion. They became a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics, and everyone always raved about how delicious they were. I loved being able to share Margaret's recipe with my loved ones and pass on the tradition of making these special sandwiches.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Strawberry Club Sandwiches, always thinking of Margaret and the wonderful memories we had shared in her kitchen. The recipe had become a part of me, a connection to my dear friend and the joy of cooking and sharing good food with others.

And now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile as I remember that warm summer day when I first learned how to make the Strawberry Club Sandwiches. It's a recipe that has brought me so much happiness and has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. And I know that every time I make them, Margaret's spirit is with me, guiding me as I create something truly special for my loved ones to enjoy.