Strawberries with Red Wine and Vanilla Syrup

1 1/2 cups dry red wine
3 tablespoons sugar
2 short strips orange zest
1/2 Madagascar vanilla bean, split lengthwise
4 cups fresh sweet strawberries, hulled and halves (if using small wild berries, leave them whole)

In a small, nonreactive saucepan, combine wine, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla bean. Boil over medium- high heat until reduced by about 3/4. Let cool to room temperature.

Put berries in a large serving bowl and pour wine reduction over them, stirring a few times. Let stand, stirring once or twice, for about 1 hour before serving.

Source: Newsday