Berries With Mint Creme

sassafrasnanc's Note:

An unusual recipe that is full of flavor and hints of exotic spices! Refreshing and delicious! Really any berry will work but strawberries or raspberriesare probably the best. I've used chocolate mint for this which was great. Cooking time is mostly simmering.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1⁄3; cup mint leaf (about 15 leaves)
• 4 cups strawberries , divided (or other type berry)
• ½ cup zinfandel
• 6 peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1 cardamom pod
• 3 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

1. Bring the cream to a boil and immediately submerge the mint leaves. Cover and remove from heat to steep for 30 minutes.
2. Cool, discard the mint leaves and set aside.
3. Bring 2 cups of strawberries to a light boil with the remaining ingredients (Zinfandel, peppercorns, fennel seeds, cardamom and sugar). Simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Cool and discard the spices.
5. Slice the remainder of the strawberries and divide into 6 martini glasses.
6. Pour minted creme over strawberries, dividing evenly. Garnish with mint leaves.