It’s the sweetest season of the year — the time when local strawberries abound. And if you’re looking for a classic dessert suitable for entertaining during the upcoming hot weather, or just a weeknight family dinner, you could hardly choose one better than Strawberries Romanoff.
This simple but elegant dessert consists of fresh strawberries marinated in orange liqueur and floating in a light, cool, creamy sauce. It’s a rich treat, but not overly sweet, combining the flavors of strawberry, orange and vanilla.
And it would be a delicious way to say, “Thanks, Mom,” on Mother’s Day this Sunday.
There are several claimants for its origin, most often given to a Russian chef back in the 1800s, according to food historians, naming it after the ruling family, the Romanoffs. Then it was popularized in America at the Hollywood restaurant Romanoff’s. And the name stuck.
The traditional dessert calls for either whipped cream or sour cream sweetened with sugar. But if you replace the sour cream with plain, nonfat Greek yogurt, the rich flavor is enhanced by the tart yogurt while reducing calories and fat. And to add a little texture, try sprinkling some mini dark chocolate chips over top. It’s not traditional, but it will also add another healthy angle to this classic dessert. Served in a vertical parfait or wine glass with layers of fruit and wispy white whipped cream/sour cream/yogurt, it’s surprising to find this a healthy dessert, but it can be.