Champagne Reception Punch

Since colonial days, a punch of champagne and fruit has been a favorite for "very proper receptions". Here's a good recipe for for the spirited punch.

Recipe Ingredients:

5 pints (10 cups) fresh strawberries
1 1/2 cups pineapple juice (chilled)
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup superfine sugar
1 bottle (4/5 quart) champagne or sparkling wine (with or without alcohol) chilled

Cooking Directions:

1. To make the strawberry ice cubes: At least 6 hours before party time, wash the berries. Place 1 small, pretty berry (with leafy hulls attached) in each compartment of 2 standard-size ice cube trays, then fill with water and freeze.
2. To prepare the punch: Remove the hulls from the remaining berries and place them in a food processor. Process for 2 minutes or until puréed, then transfer to a punch bowl. Stir in the pineapple juice, lemon juice, and sugar; cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, pour in the champagne and float the strawberry ice cubes on top.

Makes 2 quarts or 10 (6-ounce) servings.