My favorite Spring dessert is berries. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries; they all make me thing Spring.
As their prices fall and they are sourced from places closer to me, they seem to become tastier.
When looking for strawberries I try to find those that are all red, not those that have white tops.
You know the ones, I'm talking about, don't you? The kind that looked like they use suncreen, but missed one spot? And they are always hiding at the bottom of the plastic container.
Blueberries are my faves. I love the plump berries, covered in a white haze.
They develop that haze to protect them form the sun. To me, that means they must be ripe, because that is what good berries look like.
Tips for Storing Fresh Berries
You want them to shake around in their package which means they aren't moldy and clumped together, but you don't want them shriveled, which means they are old and dry.
I never wash my berries until I am ready to serve them.
When I bring them home I always open the container and take out the moldy or bruised ones so the others last longer.
I always store them in the refrigerator and I always eat them as soon as possible.
That's never very hard because it always seems I am grabbing a handful to put in my mouth.
Zoe was the notorious berry stealer. That girl packs them away and I can never have enough berries to please her.
Today is Sunday, the last day of May.
I don't know about you but Sundays are busy for me.
In Denver we've been waiting for our weather to improve; translate that to no rain- and yesterday and today are those days!
I've been working on yard projects and trying to catch us up for the season.
Yesterday I finally was able to clean off the deck and put out some new cushions.
I must tell you that we really scored on a new power washer. We found it for less than half price at Tuesday Morning!
We also found two deck chairs that work perfectly for sitting in the yard-if I ever get to sit!
Why am I telling you this?
Well, all that busy work keeps me from the kitchen, though that doesn't have to stop me from eating dessert.
In these cases, this simple strawberries and balsamic vinegar dessert is perfect served over ice cream or yogurt, or even with a spoonful of creme fraiche.
How to Make Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar:
The use of vinegar and pepper may sound odd, but combined with the sweetness of the berries makes a very refreshing, healthy dessert.
Plus it is fast, which makes it perfect on a busy day.
But to be honest this makes an incredible dessert for any occasion.
Most people have not tried this simple dessert and are amazed at how good this is.
Start by rinsing your berries of choice.
Strawberries are perfect, but peaches work great, too.
Slice the berries and then douse with good balsamic vinegar that has been mixed with brown sugar.
Stir and ket macerate perhaps while eating dinner.
After dinner, spoon over vanilla ice cream or just add the balsmic strawberries to a dish and top with heavy whipped cream, mascarpone cheese or even creme fraiche.
Add a few grinds of black pepper and prepare to be amazed!
Strawberries and balsamic vinegar and black pepper make an incredible combination.
Other Berry Desserts:
Raspberry Crumble Tart
Blueberry Chicken Pesto Salad
Black Pepper Strawberry Jam
5 Minute Raspberry Rose Jam
Triple Berry Hand Pies
Blackberry, Blueberry, Basil and Browned Butter Cobbler
White Chocolate, Blueberry Brownies
Recipe
Berries with Balsamic Vinegar and Pepper
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
- Category: dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
This simple berry dessert sounds a bit strange, I know. But trust me when I tell you, that it is always a hit! And it is so quick you can have dessert every night!
Ingredients
1 pint raspberries
4 big strawberries
Handful of blueberries
3 T brown sugar
1 T good Balsamic vinegar
3 grinds of fresh black pepper
Vanilla Ice Cream, Creme Fraiche, Sour Cream, Mascarpone or Whipped Cream
Instructions
Combine berries with brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Let macerate while you eat dinner.
Serve in a bowl over ice cream OR serve berries with just a spoonful of your favorite topping.
Don't forger to sprinkle with pepper before serving.
Notes
This simply refreshing dessert can be made with any berry and even peaches!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
I think your dessert looks beautiful. This will be on my table very soon. I have some expensive balsamic vinegar that I hoard and won't even use it in vinaigrettes. I believe I've found the perfect use for it. Thanks for sharing.
Shirley Tay says
The colours are making me so hungry, dear! Good luck to those participating in the giveaway! xoxo
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
I just followed you on Pinterest 😉 I already follow you on Facebook and subcribe to TIHIC.
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
Whole Foods must love you 🙂 Right now, my favorite way to use berries is in my morning smoothie, but as summer rolls along my favorite way to use them is in a sabayon for dessert.
Liz Berg says
And, of course, I follow you 🙂
Liz Berg says
I'm subscribed
Liz Berg says
I adore berries with balsamic---the perfect ice cream topper! My favorite use of berries is over a slice of cake with a dollop of sweetened cream.
Bam's Kitchen says
I have had roasted strawberries before but I so need to try this balsamic vinegar and pepper it sounds like a party going on in your mouth of flavors. Don't you just love how sweet the strawberries are now. Pinning and sharing, of course!
Karen Harris says
I love short cake with berries and lots of whipped cream. One of the best parts of summer. Without a doubt.
Kitchen Riffs says
I love the combo of strawberries and balsamic vinegar and pepper. Usually use it in a salad, though (and I roast the strawberries). Great idea to use this combo in a dessert -- I'm so going to do this! Thanks.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I am heading over the Pinterest to follow you Abbe!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I already subscribe!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Favorite berries - I think strawberries are on the top of my list lately 🙂 Love this dessert!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, I think that this is going to be my new favorite way to eat berries. I bet this is delicious on there own or with ice cream.
jacquie astemborski says
already a subscriber
jacquie astemborski says
just eating them plain
DeniseL says
I follow you on pinterest.com as deniseleb.
DeniseL says
I'm a subscriber #1
DeniseL says
Hands down, homemade strawberry gelato. I was thinking of making some today.
Angie Schneider says
I have been obsessed with berries lately. This is a fantastic dessert, Abbe. And beautiful bright clicks.