1/3 cup granulated sugar or vanilla sugar
1 or 2 pints large ripe strawberries, rinsed and dried (leave stems on)

Spread thin layer of sugar on serving platter. Arrange berries, stem end up, on platter. Serve at room temperature.

HOMEMADE VANILLA SUGAR:

1 vanilla bean, split down the middle
clean glass jar (with lid) filled with sugar

For a special touch, split a vanilla bean and store in a glass jar filled with sugar one or two weeks before using. The aroma from the vanilla bean will perfume the sugar.

Note: Confectioners' sugar may also be used.

Serves 4.

Submitted by: Donna Pfahler