Strawberry season is in full swing and I couldn’t be happier about that – they are by far my favorite fruit. I’ve been buying them in bulk lately so finding new ways to use up all of those berries before they go bad is my new mission in life. And, this recipe for wine soaked strawberries is the easiest way to make use of a few pints while making one elegant and delicious dish. I served mine over some amazing vanilla gelato but they would be equally good with some marscapone cheese or fresh whipped cream. However you choose to serve these berries, I promise they won’t disappoint!
Wine Soaked Strawberries with Basil (by A Feteful Life)
Ingredients
1.5 cups of red wine (I used a Cabernet but a fruity Zinfandel or Merlot would be great as well)
1/4 cup sugar
1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 tablespoon lemon juice
zest from one lemon
5 large basil leaves
Directions
In a large bowl add the sugar and one large basil leaf. Slightly muddle to release some of the basil’s flavor. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest and wine. Slowly whisk to combine. Add the strawberries to the wine mixture and let the them soak at room temperature for 30-60 minutes and then transfer to the refrigerator for about an hour. Don’t let the strawberries soak for more than 2-3 hours or they will start to become too mushy. Before serving, garnish the berries with chiffonaded basil and some of the remaining lemon zest.
A Feteful Life 