Balsamic Strawberries with Whipped Mascarpone Cheese

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons plus 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chilled mascarpone cheese*
• 1/2 cup chilled whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1-pint baskets (about 24 ounces) strawberries, hulled, halved

1. Combine vinegar, 2 teaspoons sugar, and lemon juice in heavy small saucepan.
2. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
3. Boil until syrup is reduced to scant 1/4 cup, about 3 minutes.
4. Transfer to small bowl; cool completely.
5. (Can be made 2 days ahead.
6. Cover and refrigerate.)
7. Combine mascarpone, cream, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl.
8. Whisk until thick soft peaks form.
9. Cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours.
10. Combine berries and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in large bowl; drizzle with balsamic syrup and toss to blend.
11. Let stand 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Divide berries and syrup among 6 goblets.
13. Top with mascarpone mixture.
14. *Italian cream cheese, available at Italian markets and many supermarkets.

balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, mascarpone cheese, chilled whipping cream, vanilla, baskets

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/balsamic-strawberries-with-whipped-mascarpone-cheese-105321 (may not work)