About a month ago I was looking for a light dessert recipe to follow a heavy main course of homemade gumbo that I was making for our French friends. They always appreciate it when I make dishes from Louisiana, which seem so exotic to them.

Local strawberries had just appeared at the market and I couldn't resist the idea of a sweet strawberry dessert.


© jon gos

The Food Network popped up with a Strawberry Soup recipe that looked like just the thing!

Here is my version of the recipe:

Strawberry Soup
serves 4

2 cups hulled and sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup orange juice
1 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry sorbet - about 1/3 cup for each bowl
Fresh mint sprigs, optional

In a blender, combine all the ingredients except the sorbet and mint, and process until smooth.
Chill soup for at least an hour.
Ladle the soup into bowls and place a small scoop of strawberry sorbet in the middle.
Garnish with mint, if desired.

This dessert is packed with fresh flavor, yet so simple. I can't imagine anyone not loving it!