Spiced Strawberries

Dining outside on a clear, warm evening is a lovely way to end a hot day. Eating alfresco lends a festive air to any meal. Maybe you are planning a picnic supper for an outdoor concert, a romantic boat ride, a romantic meal on your balcony, or just out in your backyard. Whatever the setting, Chef Jacques Haeringer has created cool recipes that will liven up the spirits after a long hot day.

“Romantic meals are a tradition at L’Auberge Chez François,” explains the chef. “It’s a tradition based on our philosophy that life’s memorable moments are not complete without a festive meal. The food may be delicious, but it is the thought and energy you put into preparing and serving a meal that is romantic and special.”

Here, Haeringer has selected a light and nutritious recipe that will create a cool, delightful end to a hot day. Serve this recipe with a delicious nonalcoholic beverage like a sparkling apple cider or a nice sparkling wine or champagne.

Serves 2

The dried unripe berry of a tree grown in Jamaica and Indonesia, allspice has an aromatic flavor that blends cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a unique flavor.

1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons evaporated cane juice or sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 whole clove
4 allspice berries, crushed
Pinch of nutmeg
1/3 cup sweet late harvest wine
1 pint fresh strawberries
Mint leaves

Place the water, evaporated cane juice, vanilla bean, clove, allspice, and nutmeg in a small saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. If using vanilla extract, add it now.

Wash and cap the strawberries. Drain well and place in a small bowl.

Mix the sweet wine into the syrup, taste and adjust seasonings, and strain over the strawberries. Allow the strawberries to marinate 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving. Garnish with mint leaves before serving.

TD&N Nutrient Analysis using sugar and vanilla extract: Calories: 135; Total Fat: 0 g; Saturated Fat; 0 g; Polyunsaturated Fat; 0 g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 3 mg; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Fiber: 3 g; Protein: 1 g

Copyright Chef Jacques Haeringer from Two for Tonight, Bartleby Press, $26.95; ISBN: 0-910155-43-7