To begin, prepare the strawberries by hulling and slicing them in half. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar over the strawberries to enhance their natural sweetness and let them sit for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the strawberries to release some of their juices.

While the strawberries rest, prepare the cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, add the heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, begin whipping the cream at medium speed until it starts to thicken.

Add the vanilla extract to the cream (if desired) and continue to whip until soft peaks form. Be cautious not to over whip the cream, as it can turn grainy and lose its smooth texture. You are aiming for a light, airy consistency.

Taste the whipped cream and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding a bit more powdered sugar. If you prefer a slightly richer cream, fold in a small additional amount of heavy cream until it reaches the desired flavour and texture.

Gently fold the cream to ensure it is smooth and consistent, and refrigerate it briefly while preparing the serving dishes. This will help keep the cream firm and refreshing.

Divide the strawberries among four serving glasses or bowls. Spoon any juice that may have gathered in the bowl over the strawberries for added flavour.

Dollop a generous amount of whipped cream over each serving of strawberries, or alternatively, layer the strawberries and cream for a more elegant presentation.

Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired, which adds a hint of colour and a refreshing accent to each serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the cool cream and sweet, juicy strawberries.