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.