Strawberries and Homemade Whipped Cream

     Last weekend I had the rare opportunity to visit the Mile High Market in Denver with my oldest sister.  I went with only one purchase in mind. . .Fresh Fruit.  One of the things I picked up a lot of was strawberries.  I got four big containers of them.  The next day I got started cleaning and hulling the strawberries with the intention of making strawberry jam to can.  I got a little side tracked when the minions started swiping them off the cutting board as fast as I could cut.

      While listening to the squeals of delight as each berry got swiped I started to feel like I must be missing out on something.  I popped one in my mouth and was surprised by how sweet they were.  I MUST need to take a break and have myself a snack.  Remembering that sis had also left a half carton of heavy cream in the fridge I decided to make some homemade whipped cream to go along with them.  I am and always will be a huge fan of cool whip but would strongly encourage you to try some homemade whipped cream if you never have.  It is fantastic, no contest!  And the surprising thing is how easy it is to make.  All you have to do is pour 2 cups heavy cream into a mixer fitted with a wisk attachment.  

   
     The hardest part is now done!  From here on just turn on the mixer to medium speed.  Let it go for a little while until the cream starts to thicken and then slowly add 1/8th cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract.  Keep whisking until the cream forms light peaks.  If you like your cream a little sweeter just add a little more sugar.  (I added almost a 1/4 cup, but that's my sweet tooth talking).  Finish it off by putting a dollup...or three...on your strawberries.  Simple, quick, and absolutely fantastic!