-Delicious with vanilla ice cream or some barely sweet, freshly whipped cream.-
It's the week's obsession. A simple dish that's easy to prepare and pleases everyone. Now, strawberries with balsamic vinegar and black pepper is a popular dessert salad that every responsible and well-versed food lover has tried at least once. Variations of it have led to jams, ice creams, even pies pairing this summer-time trinity.
Yet, it's a bit old hat now, don't you think? (About a hundred years so in parts of Europe.) We've tried it, loved it, and still love it, but sometimes you need to just switch it up a bit. That's all this recipe - if you can even call it that - is. I was absent of any peppercorns so I just tossed some cacao nibs in the pepper grinder and let a cocoa flurry fly across the strawberries. I tossed in a few whole ones as well for a bit of crunch and contrast. The nibs add a hint of peppery chocolate; a slight bitterness to compete with all the sweet and tang from the other two ingredients.
Simple, surprising, satisfying. So far it's quite the crown pleaser. No recipe to really dictate; toss hulled and halved strawberries into a bowl, add a few glugs of balsamic and maybe a spoonful of sugar if you're feeling a bit jaunty, then some crushed up cacao nibs. Toss and let sit for a few minutes, then serve. Allow guests to add more cacao nibs if desired.
-Simple and clean. As a summer dessert should be.-
Ah, I wouldn't have thought of this but I'm pretty sure I will love it. Thanks so much for the idea!
ReplyDeleteUm...holy shizz.
ReplyDeleteI need to get my hands on some cacao nibs pronto.
Where exactly does one go to procure cacao nibs?
Most grocery stores will have them For sure, Whole Foods or a Co-Op.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I want marscapone to drizzle this with.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulously simple idea - and another awesome way to incorporate raw cacao into a dessert!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing,
H :)