Monday, February 26, 2007

Strawberries in Balsamic

Happy Birthday to Eric!

We had a preview of the upcoming Zin tasting extravaganza over the weekend, a sort of low key private preview designed mostly to allow us to take a breath and drink a nice glass or two, or three of wine, after a crazy month of February.

For dessert, since it was all Zin all the time, I made the classic strawberries and blackberries in balsamic vinegar, but with some black pepper added. I think the pepper has always been the missing note that this dish needed.

Strawberries and Blackberries in Balsamic Vinegar

1 quart strawberries, rinsed, hulled and sliced
1/2 pint of blackberries
1/4 cup of sugar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (use the highest quality you can get)
1/8 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

Toss the berries in a bowl with the sugar, and then let sit for 10 minutes or so. Do not refrigerate.

Sprinkle with vinegar, toss gently and taste. It may need more sugar and/or vinegar if your berries are tart. Sprinkle with pepper and toss again. Serve in individual bowls.

2 comments:

Marcia Levin said...

Hi Mary Ellen...I am having fun reading your blog...mmm berries in balsamic have may daughter Michaela and I swooning. xxxMarcia

Mary Ellen Hunt said...

:) Ohhh, they are definitely swoon-worthy -- and we're coming into the best part of strawberry season, when they're ripe and juicy and sweet and ...um... um... 'scuse me -- gotta run to the market!