Balsamic vinegar and black pepper intensify the flavor of strawberries and bring out their sweetness. These berries are great with both sweet and savory dishes. Try them atop field greens with goat cheese, or serve them for dessert over ice cream or pound cake.
Serves 4 to 6.
Tip: The better the quality of the balsamic vinegar and berries you use, the better this recipe will be.
- 1 quart (16 ounces) ripe strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons good-quality balsamic vinegar
- Freshly ground coarse black pepper
Place the sliced berries in a medium non-reactive bowl (such as glass).
Sprinkle the berries with the sugar and balsamic vinegar, and toss gently to coat. Allow the berries to macerate in the vinegar and sugar mixture for about 15 minutes.
Add 4 to 5 grinds of coarse black pepper to the berries, and toss to coat. Allow the flavors to blend about 5 minutes more before serving.
Serve the berries over salad, ice cream, or toasted pound cake. Or, try them in shortcakes, or serve in dishes with a bit of whipped cream or lightly sweetened mascarpone.