Ice Cream With Strawberries And Red Wine

Desserts 

2 pints Strawberries; stems removed
1/4 cup Sugar
1/3 cup Dry red wine
1 whole cinnamon stick; 3 inches long
1/8 teaspoon Pepper; freshly ground
1 pint Vanilla ice cream -- slightly softened
4 sprigs fresh mint; for garnish

If strawberries are small, cut in half; if large, cut in quarters. Combine sugar, red wine and cinnamon stick in a large skillet; cook over medium high heat until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Add strawberries and pepper; cook until berries soften slightly, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick and divide berries and sauce among dishes; serve with vanilla ice cream and a sprig of mint, if desired.