Strawberries in Pekoe Tea

° Serves 4

This unusual, refreshing dessert is best made in summer, when strawberries are at their peak. Flavored with tea and apricot preserves, the berries can be served at room temperature or cold, plain or garnished with a little sour cream or whipped cream.

• 1 orange pekoe tea bag (or another tea to your liking, from oolong to peppermint)
• ½ cup boiling water
• ½ cup apricot preserves
• 1 pint strawberries, cleaned and hulled
• Sour cream or whipped heavy cream for garnish (optional)
• 4 sprigs mint or Thai basil, for garnish (optional)

Put the tea bag in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling water over the tea bag and allow to steep, covered, for 5 minutes.

Remove the tea bag and stir the apricot preserves and strawberries into the tea. Set aside to macerate at room temperature for at least 1 hour or as long as overnight in the refrigerator.

Serve the strawberries in glasses as is or garnished with sour cream and topped with the mint sprigs.

Use only ripe, flavorful strawberries in this quick dessert.