Strawberries with Candied Pine Nuts

A tickle of vinegar contrasts with sweet strawberries and sugared pine nuts. Serve this elegant topping on ice cream or over pound cake.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups sliced, hulled and cleaned strawberries
2 tablespoons malt vinegar
4 tablespoons granulated sugar - divided use
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Cooking Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine strawberries, vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar; toss gently and set aside.
2. Combine remaining sugar, pine nuts and cloves in a heavy skillet. Cook over medium-low heat until sugar is melted and pine nuts are golden brown. Remove from skillet. Let cool.
3. Spoon berries over vanilla ice cream or pound cake and sprinkle with the pine nuts.

Makes about 4 cups.

Tip: If you think your guests will appreciate it, substitute a good balsamic for the malt vinegar.