Strawberries, Bordeaux-Style
Fraises à la Façon Bordelaise

For the wine:

• 3 leaves gelatin (½ envelope powdered), softened in cold water
• 2 cups (500ml) richly flavored red wine, such as a Bordeaux
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) floral honey, such as lavender
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Heaping 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the strawberries:

• 1 pound (500g) perfectly ripe strawberries
• 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar

1. Put the gelatin leaves in a bowl of cold water, to soften.
2. Put the wine in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the honey, the cinnamon stick, and several grinds black pepper. Bring the wine to a boil over medium-high heat and boil until the wine is reduced by one-third. Remove from the heat.
3. Squeeze the water from the gelatin leaves and whisk them into the wine, one by one.
4. When the wine has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate.
5. Cut the strawberries in quarters, lengthwise. Put them in a bowl, add the sugar and toss gently. Set aside.
6. When the spiced wine is chilled and slightly gelled, remove the cinnamon stick and divide it among 6 glasses. Divide the strawberries among the 6 glasses, and top with vanilla ice cream, if desired. Garnish with a sprig of mint, and serve.

4 servings