Strawberry Season

Confession time.

Until recently, I really didn’t like strawberries.

I know. I know.

And, yes. I am in fact an American and/or human and not insane.

But, growing up and as a young adult, I really didn’t like any berry. I sometimes thought it was a texture thing because I liked berry flavored drinks, desserts, candy, gum and more.

Then, a few years ago, I had a just picked strawberry. Just off the vine.  Still warm from the sun. It was spectacular. And, a total game changer.

I now realize that seasonality plays a huge role in the flavor of any berry, but especially strawberries. Out of season strawberries at a Midwestern grocery store just aren’t very good. They are bland and have a different texture. Not to mention they hold far less nutrients and, to top it all off, are bad for the planet in comparison to local, in season strawberries.

So, I, just like many others, capitalize on strawberry season canning jam, making treats and just popping berries whenever I get a chance this time of year.

Over the weekend Bon Appetit’s Instagram account asked followers what they thought was the best thing to make with strawberries. I was in the car and bored as Adam drove us home from the airport (Theo had his first flight!) so I decided to check out the responses in hopes of a little cooking inspiration for another week of maternity leave.

There were lots of different cocktails listed like margaritas, daiquiris and spiked stawberry lemonade.

Berries with cream was popular too.

Adam thought that strawberry shortcake would have the most votes… But, he thought wrong.

Over and over I kept seeing plugs for strawberries with balsamic vinegar.

“Really?,” I thought.

I had seen the two flavors combined only on occasion in cookbooks, but I had never tried it.  Because, let’s be real, why add vinegar to strawberries when you could add sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate?  (Or, all of the above.)

But, there was a little voice in me that kept saying, “Don’t knock it ’til you try it.”  So, I decided to give it a go and I am so glad I did.

Strawberries with balsamic vinegar is great for a couple reasons:

1.  The convenience: All the ingredients are pantry staples and it doesn’t require baking or hardly any hands on time.  The is a great recipe to have in your arsenal when hosting people for dinner as it’s a quick, yet unique and impressive dessert.
2. The taste:  Talk about a surprise!  It was great and the dark balsamic really brings out the color in the berries.  Also, add the pepper.  I know.  It’s gone even more strange with the thought of pepper.  Just do it.

Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar

2016-06-11 08:27:37

Write a review

Save Recipe

Print

Ingredients

1. 4 pints or 8 cups fresh strawberries, sliced thick
2. 5 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
3. 2 tablespoons of sugar
4. 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
5. Vanilla Ice Cream, for serving
6. Freshly grated lemon zest, for serving

Instructions

1. Thirty minutes to an hour before serving, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside at room temperature.
2. Place a serving of the strawberry mixture in each individual bowl with a scoop of ices cream and a light dust of lemon zest on top.

By Ina Garten

Bloom. https://www.theblogbloom.com/