Mixed Berry Soup with Gelato

• 2 cups dry red wine
• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 whole star anise
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 (12-ounce) basket fresh strawberries, hulled, sliced
• 1 (6-ounce) basket fresh raspberries
• 1 (4.4-ounce) basket fresh blueberries
• 1 pint vanilla bean gelato or ice cream

1. Combine the wine, water, sugar, star anise, and cinnamon sticks in a heavy large saucepan.
2. Add all but 1/2 cup of each of the berries.
3. Bring the liquids to a simmer over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently until the fruit is very tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Cool slightly.
6. Discard the star anise and cinnamon sticks.
7. Transfer the berry mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
8. Strain the soup through a fine mesh strainer and into a medium bowl.
9. Cover and refrigerate until very cold, stirring occasionally, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day ahead.
10. Cut the reserved strawberries into small pieces.
11. Place a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato or ice cream in the center of 8 decorative dessert glasses or soup bowls.
12. Divide the mixed berry soup among the glasses, being careful to pour around the gelato.
13. Sprinkle the reserved berries over the soup and serve immediately.

red wine, water, sugar, star anise, cinnamon sticks, fresh strawberries, fresh raspberries, blueberries, vanilla bean gelato

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/mixed-berry-soup-with-gelato-recipe.html (may not work)