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Prepare an ice-water bath. Stir together milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla seeds and pod if using, in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Remove from heat, and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain into a clean pan; discard pod.
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Bring milk mixture to a simmer. Add softened gelatin, and stir until it dissolves. Strain through sieve set over a bowl in ice-water bath, stir in vanilla extract if using. Let cool, stirring, until just beginning to set, 10 to 15 minutes. Divide among teacups.
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Cut 8 rounds of pound cake to fit into the teacups, and place 1 inside each. Refrigerate until set, 8 hours or up to overnight. To serve, dip teacups in hot water for 15 to 20 seconds, until gelatin loosens, and invert quickly. Serve with fresh strawberries.