Balsamic-Infused Strawberries Delight
This Balsamic-Infused Strawberries Delight is a mesmerizing combination of sweet and tangy that transforms fresh strawberries into a gourmet dessert. Inspired by a classic recipe from the 'Frugal Gourmet Whole Family Cookbook' by Jeff Smith, this elegant dish is deceptively simple to prepare. Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or simply enjoying a flavorful treat at home, these strawberries are bathed in a luscious balsamic vinegar and sugar mixture that brings out their natural sweetness. While it appears elegant, the secret lies in its effortless preparation—proving that sometimes the simplest things can be the most delightful. Just be sure to savor them the same day for the best texture and flavor!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe strawberries
1 pint (Hulled and cut into quarters lengthwise)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (Granulated)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (High-quality)
Instructions
1
Start by hulling the strawberries and cutting them into quarters lengthwise, ensuring they are fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the quartered strawberries with the sugar and balsamic vinegar. Gently toss them together to coat the berries evenly.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rest at room temperature for about one hour. This will allow the strawberries to release their juices and create a delicious syrup.
4
After the hour, transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and chill for another hour before serving. This step enhances the flavors.
5
Before serving, give the strawberries another gentle toss. For an extra touch, consider drizzling a little more balsamic vinegar on top to suit your taste.
6
Remember that these strawberries are best enjoyed the same day they are prepared, as they do not store well and may become mushy over time.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Balsamic-Infused Strawberries Delight?
It is a gourmet dessert that combines fresh strawberries with a sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar mixture.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This simple recipe requires only three ingredients: ripe strawberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar.
What is the best way to cut the strawberries?
The strawberries should be hulled and then cut into quarters lengthwise for the best presentation and texture.
What kind of balsamic vinegar should I use?
High-quality balsamic vinegar is recommended to ensure a luscious and gourmet flavor profile.
How much sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
How long should the strawberries rest at room temperature?
Let the mixture rest at room temperature for approximately one hour to allow the juices to release.
Why do the strawberries need to sit for an hour?
This allows the sugar and vinegar to draw out the strawberry juices, creating a delicious natural syrup.
Should the dish be served cold?
Yes, after resting at room temperature, the strawberries should be chilled in the refrigerator for another hour before serving.
Can I store leftovers for the next day?
It is best to enjoy these strawberries the same day they are prepared, as they can become mushy if stored too long.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This dish was inspired by a classic recipe found in the 'Frugal Gourmet Whole Family Cookbook' by Jeff Smith.
Can I add more balsamic vinegar before serving?
Yes, you can drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar on top right before serving to suit your personal taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, it is described as an elegant and gourmet dessert perfect for impressing guests.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is deceptively simple and classified as an easy recipe with minimal preparation steps.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Is this a healthy dessert option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dessert because it focuses on fresh fruit and simple ingredients.
What should I do right before serving?
Give the strawberries one final gentle toss to ensure they are well-coated in the syrup.
What type of strawberries work best?
Ensure the strawberries are fresh and ripe to achieve the best flavor.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
The original recipe specifies granulated sugar, but you could try a substitute, though it may change the syrup's consistency.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the ingredients (strawberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar) are all plant-based.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or grain products.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended because frozen ones will release too much water and have a different texture.
What equipment do I need?
You only need a knife for hulling/cutting, a mixing bowl, and some plastic wrap or a lid.
Does the balsamic vinegar make the strawberries sour?
No, the vinegar actually enhances the natural sweetness of the berries and creates a sophisticated flavor balance.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer treat and is very refreshing during warmer months.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is hulling the strawberries and cutting them into quarters.
Do I need to cook anything?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that relies on maceration to create flavor.
Can I add other fruits?
While this recipe focuses on strawberries, the technique works well with other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
What is the secret to this recipe's success?
The secret is the effortless preparation and allowing enough time for the flavors to meld during the resting and chilling phases.