Seasonal berries make a deliciously sweet treat for any summer table. Keep it simple and let the taste of the berries come through, or just through all that out the door and pile on the whipped cream or ice cream.
1 pint fresh raspberries
1 pint fresh strawberries
1 pint fresh blueberries
1 pint fresh blackberries
10 leaves fresh mint
1 cup simple syrup
Syrup:
In a medium sauce pan bring 1 cup of water to full boil. Add two cups of sugar and lower heat. Let simmer 3-5 minutes until slightly thick. Allow to cool, overnight if possible. This syrup can be made ahead and stored in refrigerator for up to six months.
Cut tops off strawberries and cut 1/8 inch slices.
Stack mint leaves and cut into thin strips.
In a large bowl add all the berries and mint together.
Spoon some of the simple syrup over the berries and gently mix together.
Place in glass dish and garnish with more fresh mint leaves.
Yield: 8 cups
This would taste great over vanilla bean ice cream topped with whipped cream.
Photo by Jacki Lee for jimmages