Don’t pass over this recipe because it sounds strange.  I promise you will love it!  This is probably not a dessert you want to serve to your kids unless you want them to go to sleep, then give them a big helping, just kidding.  Because it has a lot of alcohol in it and it is not cooked the alcohol does not burn off so it’s not really for kiddos. 

You can make this year round, but it is especially delicious when strawberries are in season.  It is the perfect dessert to serve after a heavy meal and people are still finishing their red wine.  

 

Strawberries with Black Pepper

Strawberries with Black Pepper

4-6 servings

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
2 pints strawberries, stems removed and cut in half or you can just cut in half if you want the pretty stems
1 Tablespoon sugar (you can use more if the strawberries are out of season and a bit tart)
1 1/2 Tablespoons Cognac
2 1/2 Tablespoons Grand Marnier
1-2 cups whipped cream* (Canned whipped cream, whip your own or even use Cool-Whip if you are desperate)

Place peppercorns in a ziptop bag.  Using a heavy skillet or mallet crush the peppercorns.  Do not use a spice grinder-the grind will be too fine.  You want big chucks of pepper.

Place strawberries in a large bowl and sprinkle with sugar.  Add Cognac, Grand Marnier and peppercorns.  Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer.  If you are serving this at a dinner party just make before dinner and let sit in fridge until you are ready to serve.  The strawberries only get more liquored up-what can be wrong with that?

Serve in small bowls with a large dollop of whipped cream. 

* If you are going to whip your own cream here is the recipe:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl add all three ingredients.  Using a hand mixer, stand mixer or blender (you can use a whisk and your arm, but who wants a workout in the kitchen) mix until soft peaks form.  Store in covered bowl, jar or tupperware in the refrigerator for about 2 hours until ready to use.