Marie Meisner ‘26
Guest Writer
This past weekend, I had the privilege of watching my dear friend Gavin Klein, the class of 2026 organ scholar, play in his senior recital (an event which would require a second, and much more extensive, Spire article). Following the recital, there was a reception in which Gavin’s many fans could celebrate his musical abilities and achievements. Behind the long line of food, sitting unassumingly on the table, were two bowls of strawberry trifle. I was immediately brought back to the excitement at seeing a similar dish on display at my family’s Easter celebration a few weeks prior. But nothing could have ever prepared me for the ascension into such a state of ground-breaking delight and disbelief at the taste of the strawberry, cake, and cream together. I remember sinking back into my seat in such a state of contentment and deep appreciation for the dessert I just had.
I recall a similar experience, this past summer, when visiting my equally dear friend, Frank Amuso, in Philadelphia. We got breakfast one morning at Sulimay’s in Fishtown, and it was there that I ordered strawberry cheesecake French toast. Very few bites of French toast have ever topped the rush of exhilaration found in that first bite, a comfort and awe that propelled me through the breakfast and accompanied me on our six-hour drive back to Massachusetts (quite literally, as I took the leftovers for lunch).
In thinking about these two anecdotes, the common denominator, aside from joyous celebrations of my friends, is the unbelievable quality of the strawberry flavor that characterizes these desserts. Although I do consider myself a fan of strawberries (having written this article of course), I have been chasing this indescribable thrill of the strawberry dessert ever since. What is it exactly that makes this flavor so delectable and desirable and just plain delicious?
Sharks, let me present to you my pitch.
Out of the trifecta of flavors that make up neapolitan ice cream (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry), strawberry sits perfectly in between the two, oftentimes both literally and figuratively. Strawberry has the sweetness of a dessert without the chalkiness of chocolate or the creaminess of vanilla. But what’s so wonderful about strawberries is that if you do prefer those flavors (vanilla and chocolate), strawberries lend themselves excellently to be paired with both of those flavors as well! Chocolate-covered strawberries are the perfect sample snacks where you get that dense chocolate flavor immediately preceding the light freshness of the strawberry, while strawberry cheesecake (or its French toast counterpart) provides that sweet fruity flavor without losing the richness and sophistication of the cheesecake.
Strawberry ice cream also stands well on its own. You can opt for strawberry ice cream with or without the chunks of fruit, and it does not require any of the additional toppings to enhance flavor in the way that chocolate and vanilla ice cream do.
What is additionally notable about strawberry flavor is that it is not exclusive to desserts. Its fresh sweetness can be found in our favorite everyday snacks and drinks as well. Personally, I’ve been loving the strawberry dragonfruit juice offered in Kimball as of late, and I believe strawberry lemonade is superior to pink lemonade for its real-fruit taste and lack of artificial sourness.
My final strawberry-flavored hill to die on is that of strawberry cream cheese. Its fruity freshness enhances even the most everything (and plain) of bagels, and it is the perfect way to start the morning. Think about joy bursting from your bagel. That is strawberry cream cheese. That is the work of the strawberry.
All of this to say, I encourage you to embrace the work of the strawberry in your own life (unless, of course, you are allergic). Regardless of your specific strawberry pursuit (even if it’s just strawberries themselves – which are excellent stand-alone snacks and can be tossed in yogurt (strawberry yogurt, anyone?) or a salad), you will encounter its magical sweetness and transformative power. For such a light and fresh flavor, you will feel overwhelmed by its goodness.
If none of this resonates for you, let me leave you with one final thing. Strawberry flavor is pink. So if nothing else, it is fun. Which is an important attribute to have.
Or maybe, at the end of the day, the appeal of the strawberry flavor just comes from sharing it with your friends. Which isn’t too bad either 🙂
Featured image courtesy of GardenTech
Copy Edited by Sophia Mariani ’26
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