Fresh Margarita Strawberries w/ Tequila & Black Peppercorns

AP/Dave DeWitt and Nancy Gerlach, "The Spicy Food Lover's Bible"
Published: Monday, Jan. 9, 2006 12:00 a.m. MST

Appetizers & Snacks > Fruit > Fresh Margarita Strawberries w/ Tequila & Black Peppercorns

Ingredients

4 cups sliced strawberries
1/3 cup orange juice, preferably fresh
1/4 cup tequila (optional)
2 tablespoons lime juice, preferably fresh
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground coarse black pepper
Sugar to taste
Lime slices for garnish


Directions

Combine the strawberries, orange juice, tequila, if using, lime juice and vinegar (to taste), and toss to coat. Add the pepper and toss again. For a dramatic presentation, serve in margarita glasses; rub the rims of the glasses with lime juice and dip them into the sugar. Divide the strawberries among the glasses, sprinkle a little sugar over the berries, garnish with lime slices, and serve. Serves 4.