Instructions: A traditional Italian way to serve fresh berries is simply to let them macerate in a small amount of sugar, then drizzle them with a little balsamic vinegar before serving. Perfectly ripe berries taste exquisite like this, and it is also a magical way to salvage imperfect or underripe berries, too.

* The strawberries can be sliced and sugared up to a day in advance. The vinegar should be sprinkled on within 30 minutes of serving.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes, plus time to macerate

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

1. Clean the strawberries by wiping them with a damp paper towel.

2. Hull the strawberries, and halve or slice them, depending on their size.

Place them in a shallow dish and sprinkle them with sugar. Cover and let sit for at least several hours, stirring them or shaking the dish every now and then. (If they are going to sit for much longer than 3 or 4 hours, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.)

3. Sprinkle on the vinegar, and serve in small individual bowls, with cookies alongside, if desired.

Cuisine:
"African/middle Eastern"

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