I Am a Hostess - Preparing Strawberry Tiramisu

A few years ago we were invited by some like-minded friends to participate in a monthly discussion group.  This gathering calls itself "Philologue" which is kind of a mix between philosophy and dialogue.  It is a safe place where we are able to discuss and share opinions and insights on any topic of our choice, knowing that we are all seeking a better understanding of issues and that our thoughts and opinions will be respected.  So tomorrow is our gathering for April and it is being held at our home.

The routine is to discuss the month's topic for 2 hours, then break for refreshments, then gather again to discuss the logistics for the next month...topic, date and location.  I enjoy hosting the event because it gives me an opportunity to try some new and interesting refreshments.  Summer has finally arrived in Southern California so I am think refreshing and cool.  This morning at the Farmers' market most stalls were hawking their STRAWBERRIES.  For the past year or so we have had strawberries available almost year round.  But most of the time they are hot house versions of berries that may be grown organically, but they are not really in season and they lack the sweet, ripe flavor of a naturally grown berry.  But it is April and what we are seeing now are berries picked yesterday in the fields around Oxnard.  I prefer the smaller berries that seem to pack more sweetness.

While googling for some fresh strawberry recipe ideas I stumbled across one for Strawberry Tiramisu made with ladyfingers, mascapone cheese, an orange liquore (I used Grand Marnier).  Recipe is here at "Kathleen's  Gonna Want Seconds Blog". I tried it last week as a trial run and we loved it...I can't believe we ate the whole thing!

So, tomorrow I will serve this Tiramisu, a new vegetable dip made with my fava beans, spring green garlic, lemon, olive oil and goat cheese, (recipe here...thank you, Simply Recipes) some crackers and cheeses....and of course, lemonade!

I think it will be a welcome treat after digesting the heavy topic of the "Current government situation and what it will take to make the government work better!"  Hum....I wonder if after that topic I need to also serve something stronger than lemonade???