Recipe: Strawberries in balsamic vinegar

Marcella Hazan first introduced me to this unlikely sounding combination. It takes a certain amount of courage to try it, but believe me it makes strawberries taste exquisitely intense.

Aceto Balsamico the aristocrat of Italian vinegars varies enormously. It is precious and expensive. Buy the best one you can find and use it sparingly.

Serves 6

2 lbs (900g) strawberries

3-5 tbsp castor sugar

1-2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar (aceto balsamico)

Shortly before serving remove the hulls from the berries and cut in half lengthways. Sprinkle with sugar and toss gently. Just before serving add the balsamic vinegar and toss again.

Serve immediately.

NB: this recipe is not successful with wine or malt vinegar.