Spooned atop fresh goat cheese on crostini, these piquant preserves make a great hors d'oeuvre. They are also delicious with scones or muffins at teatime.

　　Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients

　　2 cups strawberries (about 1 pint), trimmed and quartered

　　1 1/2 cups sugar

　　3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

　　3 tablespoons water

　　1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

　　In a small heavy saucepan bring all ingredients to a boil, stirring, and skim surface. Simmer mixture, stirring and skimming foam occasionally, 15 minutes, or until thickened and translucent. Remove pan from heat and cool preserves completely. Preserves keep, covered and chilled, 1 month.