Mark Johanson, of Woodsville, picks a Valley Sunset strawberry, a late variety still producing at Pierson Farm in Bradford, Vt., Friday, July 14, 2017. "I see a fresh strawberry pie in our future," said Johanson's wife Linda while trading tips for jam, pectin and pie with other pickers. The berries were about a week late this year and the rains on July first damaged the ripe berries of early varieties at the farm, but the Valley Sunset recovered giving one picker over 38 pounds of berries after about one hour in the rows. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.
Mark Johanson, of Woodsville, picks a Valley Sunset strawberry, a late variety still producing at Pierson Farm in Bradford, Vt., Friday, July 14, 2017. "I see a fresh strawberry pie in our future," said Johanson's wife Linda while trading tips for jam, pectin and pie with other pickers. The berries were about a week late this year and the rains on July first damaged the ripe berries of early varieties at the farm, but the Valley Sunset recovered giving one picker over 38 pounds of berries after about one hour in the rows. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Credit: Valley News — James M. Patterson

I’ve always counted myself lucky that my birthday falls in June. No generic supermarket birthday cakes for me: when I was a kid, my birthday cake was always strawberry shortcake. Here’s the recipe: two layers of angel food cake (from a mix, of course; this was the ’70s), whipped cream (this must be real, regardless of the decade) and lots of fresh local strawberries. It’s a snap to put together and so delicious that it doesn’t even need to be someone’s birthday. You could make one tonight.

Another excellent way to indulge a strawberry shortcake craving is to attend one of the Upper Valley’s strawberry suppers or desserts.

Due to a recent patch of cool weather, the season got off to a slow start, but now the berries are here and so are the opportunities to enjoy them.

Here is a sampling of upcoming events.

Strawberry Supper in North Pomfret

June 23, 5-7:30 p.m.

Pomfret Town Hall, 5218 Pomfret Road.

Seatings at 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Cost: adults $12, children 10 and under $5. Call for reservations. 802-457-1014.

Strawberry Shortcake at the Summer Bandstand Concert Series in Orford

June 23, 7-8:30 p.m.

The bandstand on the East Common, 785 Route 10.

A free performance by Gerry Grimo and East Bay Jazz Ensemble, with strawberry shortcake for sale at $5. Held rain or shine. 603-353-4220.

Strawberry Shortcake in Plainfield

July 4, 11:30 a.m.

Smith’s Auction Gallery field, 1064 Route 12A.

Strawberry shortcake, homemade biscuits and whipped cream, served after the Fourth of July parade until sold out. $5. Sponsored by Plainfield Community Church. 603-475-1103.

St. Andrew’s Summer Fair in New London

July 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 52 Gould Road.

Baked goods for sale, crafts, Vermont cheeses, books and a white elephant tent (including some furniture), as well as a barbecue, strawberry shortcake, a dog show and a live auction. 603-526-6364.

Strawberry Supper in Royalton

July 7, 5-7 p.m.

Royalton Academy Building, 4266 Route 14.

Baked ham, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, rolls, beverages and strawberry shortcake for dessert. A fundraiser for the First Congregational Church of Royalton. Tickets (at the door): Adults $12; children 12 and under $5. Takeout is available. 802-788-1058.