Fresh Fruit

We LOVE fruit around here, especially in dessert. You're not really surprised are you? Lately I've been able to bake with some really yummy fresh fruit. I made this peach cobbler for book club Monday night, and last night we had strawberries with vanilla syrup over our ice cream.I came across this recipe and photo in Martha Stewart Living, and knew it would be next on my list since it looked so interesting and simple. Here you go:

1 pound strawberries (halved if large)(I also removed the stems)
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
3 strips (each 2 inches long) lemon zest
1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns, lightly crushed

Place strawberries in a heatproof bowl. Combine water, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and peppercorns in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 1 minute. Pour syrup over strawberries. Let stand until cool, about 15 minutes.

I served this over vanilla ice cream. You can easily spoon out the strawberries without getting peppercorns if the idea of them scares you, but they bring an unusual heat to the syrup. Give it a try!