Before you stop reading this post, assuming I’ve completely lost my mind — and my taste buds — give me a chance. No, I am not pregnant — really! — but I do enjoy strong, interesting flavors and this combination just about knocked my socks off. Let me explain how I even thought to try strawberries and salami together.
I had just gotten back from our CSA Farm with a nice pint of fresh-picked strawberries. I was munching on them as I was preparing dinner. Owen was snacking on salami (all natural, no nitrites) so it didn’t take long for me to pop a slice or two into my giant munch-hole.
Calebrese salami is slightly spicy, as it’s got crushed red pepper flakes speckled throughout its slices. Something about the salty, spicy meat and the sweet, slightly tart strawberries made such a lovely pairing. It’s like every section of my tongue was firing at the same time — and I liked it!
Immediately I thought that someone else must have tried and died for this delectable combination. It could be a traditional Italian pairing, for all I know. So of course I turned to Google, the great and powerful Oz, and… nothing. I just may be the only person who’s ever eaten Calebrese salami and strawberries together as a snack.
Before you dismiss it, consider that I may have well invented one of the most appealing taste combinations… ever. Try a spinach and strawberry salad with salami slices or stab some mozzarella cheese, a basil leaf, a strawberry and salami on a toothpick — what an appetizer!
So try it, and then tell me I’m nuts!