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Strawberries and Cream

Procure the fruit when it is freshly gathered and just ripe. If it is not to be eaten immediately, keep it in a cool place till wanted; but the fresher it is the better. Pick the strawberries, and remove every imperfect and unsound berry. Do not wash them unless it is absolutely necessary. If, however, they are dusty or not quite fresh, they may be cleansed and freshened by taking them in handfuls and passing them quickly through a basin of cold water. They should not be allowed to remain in it one instant. If the strawberries have been gathered in rainy weather, it is very desirable that this cleansing process should be performed. Strawberries are very delicious served with thick cream (Devonshire cream is the best) and finely-powdered sugar. These accompaniments should be sent to table separately, as if the sugar is put upon them, even for a short time, it will draw out their juice and change their colour.