Strawberries and cream--you can't go wrong with that combo. Add a little Port, Brandy and Cointreau and you have one simple dessert that is sure to please. This weekend we are going to enjoy a picnic in the country and this is the dessert that will end our casual lunch. Easy to prepare and easy to travel, Strawberries in Good Spirits, as I like to call this recipe, is always a hit. While I prefer to make homemade whipped cream, see recipe below, in this case for ease of travel, I'll pick up a can of whipped cream. Our picnic will consist of some cheese--a wedge of Manchego and a slice of Tomme de Savoie, a loaf of French bread, mixed olives, duck mousse pate, a sliced pear and a bottle of wine. For the finale... the colorful, sweet strawberries.

Strawberry in Good Spirits
Serves 2

2 cups of strawberries, stems removed, sliced
2 tbsp powdered sugar
2 tbsp Port
2 tbsp Cointreau
2 tbsp Brandy

1 cup cream, whipped
1 tsp Cointreau
1 tsp sugar
If you are traveling it may be easier to buy a can of whipped cream

Slice strawberries and toss with powdered sugar. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Blend Port, Cointreau and Brandy and pour over chilled strawberries. Next add 1 tsp Cointeau and 1 tsp of sugar to the cream and whip. Place the berries in individual dishes and top with whipped cream.