Russian Strawberry Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 c. very ripe, fresh strawberries or 2 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen strawberries, thawed
1 c. sugar
1 c. sour cream
4 c. water
1 c. Claret or good red wine
lemon juice

Preparation

If using fresh berries, hull, wash, drain and rub through a fine sieve.
Mix berries with sugar and sour cream.
Add cold water and wine.
Add lemon juice to taste to cut some of the sweetness.
Heat mixture very slowly over a low flame, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Do not allow the soup to boil. Serve either hot or cold.
When served cold, garnish each portion with a few whole berries.