Balsamic Black Pepper Strawberries

Adapted from herbsspices.about.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pint (8 ounces) ripe strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons good-quality balsamic vinegar
• Freshly ground coarse black pepper

PREPARATION

1. Place the sliced berries in a medium nonreactive bowl (such as glass).
2. Sprinkle the berries with sugar and balsamic vinegar, and toss gently to coat. Allow the berries to macerate in the mixture for about 15 minutes.
3. Add 2–3 grinds of coarse black pepper to the berries, and toss to coat. Allow the flavors to blend about 5 minutes more before serving.
4. Serve the berries over salad, ice cream, or toasted pound cake. Try them in shortcake or serve with a bit of whipped cream or lightly sweetened mascarpone.

Serves 2–3. Prep time, 5 minutes; seasoning time, 20 minutes.

Cook’s note: Recipe can be doubled. The better the quality of the balsamic vinegar and berries you use, the better this recipe will taste.