Balsamic Strawberry Pound Cake

We've reached the height of summer.  And it's not just the mosquito overlords attacking every exposed limb on my body that makes me aware that it's summertime.  I know that we've officially reached the pinnacle of summer when the fresh berries hit the supermarkets.  Plump raspberries, giant blueberries, divine blackberries and the juiciest, most delicious strawberries.  I actually break into an embarrassingly awkward  happy dance in the middle of the produce section when the shelves are filled with fresh summer berries.  It's true.  

I go a overboard when the berries arrive and I bring them home pounds.  (Yes, that was plural.)  Keenly aware of the fleeting season, I live in constant fear that the berries won't be available when I return to the store.  Sooooo, I panic, buy them all, and we go on ridiculous berry eating binges in a race against time to consume every last delicious berry while it's still at its peak.    

When the summer berries are at their best, they should be the star of every summer dessert.   Just my opinion.   A simple shortcake, a slice of pound cake or a piece of angel food cake and a dollop of whipped cream is the only thing you need to bring out the very best of these summer berries.  We eat a lot of strawberry shortcake, blueberry cobbler and angel food cake with fresh blackberries and raspberries.  I love dessert recipes that really highlight the taste of the fresh summer berries.  That's why I'm introducing you to the amazing Grilled Balsamic Strawberry Pound Cake.  I just know that you are going to love it as much as I do.  

Balsamic Strawberry Pound Cake
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
6 slices pound cake
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Toss strawberries with sugar and vinegar. 

Let sit 30 minutes. 

Stir in basil. 

Grill pound cake slices. 

Serve strawberries over grilled pound cake. 

This is a great example of how an uber simple dessert can be over the top delicious.  I you feel like you want to make your own pound cake - check out my recipe here: Cream Cheese Pound Cake.  If you're short on time, pick up a pound cake from the grocery store and don't feel the least bit guilty about it because once you grill it up and add some fresh berries - it will be delectable.  

Ciao!

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