Strawberries Romanoff

Story behind the dish

Imagine walking into a sunlit kitchen on a warm summer afternoon, where the scent of ripe strawberries fills the air. Strawberries Romanoff is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of sweet, juicy berries paired with rich, creamy decadence. This dish is an elegant yet simple way to celebrate the freshest seasonal fruit, making it perfect for brunches, dinner parties, or a special treat to elevate your afternoon.

Whether you're entertaining guests or treating yourself to something special, this dessert offers the perfect balance of fruitiness and luxury. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as beautiful as it tastes, with strawberries infused with a touch of Grand Marnier and topped with a cloud of whipped cream—an irresistible combination.

Ingredients

• 2 pints strawberries, hulled and quartered (~32 oz or 907 g)
• 4 tbsp sugar (~0.5 oz or 14 g)
• 4 tbsp Grand Marnier (~2 oz or 59 ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream (~8 oz or 237 ml)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (~2 oz or 59 ml)
• Powdered sugar (for whipping cream, about 2 tbsp)

Step-by-step

1. In a medium bowl, combine the hulled and quartered strawberries with 4 tablespoons of sugar and 4 tablespoons of Grand Marnier. Stir well to coat all the berries evenly.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours. Stir the strawberries once or twice during this time to ensure they soak up the syrup and liqueur.
3. Just before serving, pour 1 cup of cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
4. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream until stiff peaks form—when you lift the beaters, the peaks should stand straight up.
5. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of sour cream with a spatula until blended and smooth.
6. Give the strawberries a gentle stir to redistribute their syrup, then divide them evenly into 6 serving glasses or bowls.
7. Spoon the whipped cream over the strawberries, making sure to distribute it evenly. For an especially charming presentation, use an ice cream scoop to add rounded mounds of cream.
8. Optional: Spoon a little of the strawberry syrup over the berries for extra flavor. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours for the best taste.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For added elegance, garnish each serving with a sprig of mint or a tiny strawberry on top.
• This dessert beautifully pairs with a light, crisp biscuit or sponge cake soaked in the leftover syrup for an added layer of flavor.

Closing thoughts

There’s something truly enchanting about strawberries Romanoff—the way it combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the allure of liqueur and luxurious whipped cream. It’s a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste, making every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether served at a fancy dinner or enjoyed with family on a lazy afternoon, this classic dessert promises joy in every scoop.