Who would ever think that strawberries, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar would be a tantalizing flavor sensation? I was skeptical when I was introduced to this at a shoot a few years back. I vividly remember an account executive, from a public relations firm representing strawberries, arriving at the studio with cases of beautiful ripe strawberries, aged balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.
She rinsed the berries, and proceeded to pour the vinegar and brown sugar into separate small bowls. She told us to pick a berry, dip it in the vinegar, and then the sugar. I thought to myself, there’s no way I am going to like this! I have to tell you I was more than pleasantly surprised. The flavor combination was unbelievable. The robust, slightly sweet zing of the vinegar combined with the sweetness of the berry and the brown sugar—well, it’s beyond yum. It’s a unique taste sensation you will not soon forget. Try it!
Hint: For the best flavor, use a good-quality aged balsamic vinegar, turbinado sugar, which is a raw cane sugar such as Sugar in the Raw from Hawaii, and the freshest local strawberries you can find!
Serve these as an appetizer or dessert. And let me know how you like them!
Cathy
à la carte kitchen 
Another similar take that I’ve fallen in love with is fresh strawberries, sour cream and brown sugar. Delicious!
-Christine
Indeed, this unlikely combination is truly delicious! I enjoyed this as dessert at my friend, Cathy’s house for dinner several years ago and I never forgot it. And beyond being delicious, “Berries, balsamic, and brown sugar” can provide an instant no-effort solution to “What’s for dessert?” Yum!
Yum, Cathy – can’t wait to try this. Unlike your first reaction to it, it really appeals to me. I love salads with fruit in them, with red onions or shallots, and a lovely vinaigrette. Just recently made a salad with green beans, cherry tomatoes, jalapeno pepper and papaya. Delicious! I can’t wait to try this simple strawberry treat! Keep those great ideas coming! P.S. Your pictures are beautiful – makes me want to reach in and help myself.
Mel,
I love the ingredients in the salad you mentioned. The addition of jalapenos and papaya sound wonderful. What dressing did you use?
Cathy
Great idea for the upcoming local Strawberry season.