Comments: Aged balsamic vinegar, also known as aceto balsamico, can be found at specialty food stores. Although it makes an especially smooth-tasting sauce, any balsamic will be fine.

3	tablespoons	unsalted butter
1/3	cup (packed)	light brown sugar
2	pints	strawberries (1 pound), hulled and halved
2	teaspoons	balsamic vinegar
2		fresh mint sprigs
		Vanilla, chocolate or strawberry ice cream, for serving

• Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet.
• Add the brown sugar and stir over moderately high heat until dissolved, about 2 minutes.
• Add the strawberries and cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to release their juices, about 1 minute.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the strawberries to a bowl.
• Boil the sauce until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Pour the sauce over the strawberries and stir in the balsamic vinegar and mint sprigs.
• Let stand for 2 minutes, then discard the mint sprigs. Stir the sauce and serve.
• Makes 4 to 6 Servings