Strawberry Balsamic Basil Pop Food

FRESH STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC BASIL DAIQUIRI

Steps:

• Place the ice cubes, strawberries, light rum, balsamic vinegar and basil leaves in the pitcher of a blender and blend until smooth and slushy. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a small basil sprig.
• Cook's Note: If your strawberries aren't very sweet, add up to 1/2 teaspoon superfine sugar.

STRAWBERRY-BALSAMIC-BASIL POP

Steps:

• Place 2 cups of whole strawberries in a glass or plastic bowl with 1 tablespoon basil. Top with sugar and balsamic vinegar. Toss and let marinate for 1 hour. Slice remaining strawberries and set aside. In blender, puree strawberry-vinegar mixture until smooth. Add strawberry slices and remaining basil. Mix well and pour into ice-pop molds. Insert sticks and freeze for about 8 hours.

BALSAMIC-STRAWBERRY POPS

Steps:

• Place the strawberries and sugar in a food processor and pulse just until the mixture is finely chopped and juicy but still chunky; you don't want a smooth purée. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the balsamic vinegar and a few grinds of pepper.
• Spoon the mixture into ice pop molds and insert sticks. Freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or up to 1 week.
• To unmold the pops, run hot water over the outsides of the molds for a few seconds, then gently pull the sticks.

FRESH STRAWBERRIES WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR AND BASIL

Steps:

• In large mixing bowl, stir together sugar, vinegar, honey, and pepper. Add basil and strawberries; toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 10 minutes and up to 1 1/2 hours. Serve chilled.