Strawberries & Crème Fraîche

This recipe comes from Jessica Craig, a professional chef from New York. It combines a sweet balsamic vinegar reduction, fresh Florida strawberries and luscious whipped crème fraîche. What a luxurious dessert!

She shared a version of this recipe as an entry into our recipe contest last year. Craig buys her strawberries at her local farmers’ market and added that she loves Florida strawberries because “they are refreshing, delicious and nutritious.”

Ingredients:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 – 1/8 cups packed dark brown sugar
• 2 pints Florida strawberries
• 2 cups crème fraîche
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 sprigs of fresh mint (optional)

Over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar stirring regularly. Remove from heat when the sugar has dissolved into the vinegar and the mixture has been reduced to about half the original volume. Allow mixture to rest.

Rinse, hull and cut the strawberries into halves and quarters and then place into four martini glasses. Pour balsamic reduction over strawberries, taking care to coat each one until each glass is approximately half full.

Whip crème fraiche until stiff. Place a dollop of the whipped crème fraiche on top of the strawberries in each glass. Garnish each dessert with a sprig of mint and enjoy!

Yield: 4 servings

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

If you are feeling really adventurous, why not make your own crème fraîche from scratch? It is quite simple, tastes even better than store bought and only requires that you make it a day or so ahead of time.

Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk.

Over low heat, warm the heavy whipping cream just until it is warm to touch (~100*F). At this point, remove from heat. Add in the buttermilk, combine well and pour into an air-tight container. Let the crème fraîche sit at room temperature, stirring occasionally, for 8-24 hours (or until thick).

You will know it is done when it has a thick consistency and a slightly nutty taste. Give it one more good stir and place in the refrigerator. When ready for the above recipe, just pull it out, whip it up and drop a few dollops on your fabulous Florida strawberries!