VINEGARS
Flavored vinegars and oils add an
extra kick to marinades, sauces, and dressings. If you are looking for an
elegant and thoughtful gift to make for Christmas, try these savory blends that
are sure to enhance any meal. If you grow your own herbs, this is a great way to
use up any excess before the growing season is over. We hope you enjoy these
unique blends.
Vinegar Base
1 small bunch of parsley
1 teaspoon of peppercorns
1/8 teaspoon of salt
1 clove of garlic, peeled
1 quart of your choice of vinegar: cider, white distilled, rice wine, white
wine, or red wine
Place the parsley, garlic, salt and
pepper in a 2 quart ceramic or glass bowl. Bring the vinegar to a boil.
Pour the vinegar over the herbal
mixture in the bowl.
Cover and let the mixture stand for
two days. Strain the mixture and decant into a sterilized bottle. Add one to
three sprigs of the herbs of your choice. Seal the bottle with a cork or lid.
Let stand for two more weeks before using.
Flavor combinations
Tarragon and lemon in white wine
vinegar
Chives, basil, and parsley in white wine vinegar
Oregano, rosemary and thyme in red wine vinegar
Lemon and dill in cider vinegar
Garlic, chives blossoms and chervil in red wine vinegar
Cilantro, jalapeño pepper and lime in white distilled vinegar (this one is
hot)
Lavender blossoms in cider vinegar
Ginger root and cilantro in rice wine vinegar
OILS
1 teaspoon peppercorns
8 to 10 sprigs of your choice of herbs
Olive oil to fill the container you are using
1 sterile bottle or wide mouth canning jar
Place the herbs and peppercorns into
the sterile bottle or wide mouth canning jar. Use a funnel to decant the olive
oil into the bottle to cover the herbs. Seal and let stand for one month before
using.
Flavor combinations
Lemon and dill
Tarragon and chive
Lemon and garlic (one of our favorites)
Garlic, onion, and basil
Basil and garlic
Cilantro and Lime
Rosemary and Marjoram
Garlic, onion, oregano and red bell pepper
Note: When using large pieces of
fruit or vegetables, cut them into small wedges or pieces to fit into the
bottle. Use bamboo skewers to hold the pieces together in the bottle. Use herb
vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, or to deglaze pans.
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