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By Yossi & Malky Levine
Store-Bought Dessert Sauce
Homemade Dessert Sauce
When it comes to fruity dessert sauces—or any dessert sauce for that matter—crafting your own rather than going for store-bought options significantly elevates the flavor. And, of course, there are health benefits, as homemade fruit sauce contains none of the artificial additives, preservatives, and excessive sugar often found in commercially prepared products. You’re using pure fruit and retaining their natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are often diminished during commercial processing. Aside from that, when preparing a sauce yourself, you have the freedom to customize it according to your preferences, adjusting sweetness, tartness, and texture to your taste. And the aroma that’ll fill your home as those fruits are simmering…that alone makes it a fun and worthwhile venture.
Strawberry Chia Sauce I love how versatile homemade fruit sauces can be. Drizzle over your dessert, add to a yogurt/granola parfait, use as a jam, include in a vinaigrette for a delicious salad dressing, use as a filling for crepes, or simply enjoy it on its own as a compote. Here’s a recipe for strawberry chia sauce, but don’t limit yourself with flavors. Try this recipe with any fruit or a combination of a few, and enjoy them all. 4 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen) ½ cup chia seeds 2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Place strawberries in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until strawberries start to release their juices. Remove from heat. For best results, use an immersion blender and pulse several times until desired consistency is reached. (Alternatively, mash with a fork.) Stir in chia seeds and let mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to allow seeds to absorb liquid and thicken the sauce. If desired, add honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. Store in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days.
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WELLSPRING / AUGUST 2023
