This recipe offers a perfect pairing of textures and flavors for an easy make-ahead dessert.  The tartness of the lime curd beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries, while the contrast between the red strawberries and green lime curd is visually brilliant. 

The first time I served this dish to Stephanie Netzley, a staff member I supervised, I heard the fork scraping on the plate, followed by a sigh, a humming, and the words, “Oh, yeah.” Stephanie, and other coordinators under my supervision, were highly skilled, motivated  and fun to work with. Since my retirement she and others have moved on to better positions which include; superintendent, administrative analyst, director of general services, general manager of Riverside County Parks and Open Space and manager for the city of Fontana. It is a legacy that I am most proud to reflect upon. 

I think the absolute best way to gauge a recipe is by the subtle noises people make when they eat something amazing. When I hear “mmmmm,” I know food tastes good, and that sound is one of my favorite sounds in the world.

Ingredients

• 4 Limes
• 1 ½ C Sugar
• ¼ lb Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 Extra-large eggs
• 1/8 t Kosher salt
• 2 pts. Fresh Strawberries

Directions

• Using a zester, remove the zest of four limes, being careful to avoid the white pith. Put the zest in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the sugar and pulse until the zest is very finely minced into the sugar.
• Squeeze the limes and measure out 1/2 cup of lime juice. 
• In a mixer, cream the butter.
• Beat in the lime-sugar mixture.  Add the eggs, one at a time, and then add salt. Mix until combined.
• Pour the mixture into a two-quart saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened (about 10 minutes), stirring constantly. 
• The lime curd will thicken and be ready when it coats a spoon (at about 175 degrees F), or just below a simmer. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will curdle.
• Remove from the heat and cool or refrigerate.
• Wipe strawberries off with a damp paper towel.
• Serve with stems on the strawberries.

If you want a cool adaption try Meyers lemons in the place of limes. It is a sweet treat for your taste buds!