Strawberries with Tex-Mex Tequila and Black Pepper

This is a shocking dessert if there ever was one, with the sharp flavors of the pepper tequila and black pepper strangely complementing the sweetness of the strawberries. Only a truly daring chilehead would serve this over chile-infused icecream.

Ingredients

• 6 cups halved strawberries

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup chile-infused tequila (or soak crushed piquin chiles in tequila for a few hours and strain)

• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

• Mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Combine the strawberries, orange juice, tequila, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and toss well. Cover and chill for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Spoon the mixture into 6 small glass bowls and garnish with the mint sprigs.