Reduced to Yum

A couple months ago I went into a classy gourmet restaurant to meet a friend. I mowsied (sp) up to the bar and ordered a glass of Merlot (my fav). Since I am not used to drinking, I decided to order some Bruschetta to help soak up the alcohol. The Bruschetta was delicious, however there was what looked like chocolate swirled all over the plate. Thinking it was chocolate, I decided to save it for dessert. When time for dessert, what a surprise--this taste like vinegar! Balsamic Vinegar!
I love Balsamic Vinegar. If you have never tried it, go now, right now, to your nearest grocery store and buy a bottle. Make sure it is aged and from Modena. It is a bit pricey--you get what you pay for in this case. It is almost like drinking Merlot!
So, the drizzle on my plate was what is called reduced balsamic. The chef would not tell me how to make it--he was very illusive--however I found the secret...here it is...
Boil the Balsamic Vinegar gently over medium heat until it is reduced to half.
Wow! Write it down so you don't forget and after you have it memorized, be sure to eat the recipe!

• If you have a squirt bottle of some sort, you can put it in there and make fancy swirls on plates.
• You can use it as a glaze.
• Drizzle some over vegetables--grilled vegetables are the best.
• Mix with a little sugar and maybe a dab of mint and serve on strawberries!
• If you eat meat, use it instead of steak sauce.
• On top of fish--yummy!

Excuse me, my mouth is watering right now. I am going to find an avocado and fill up the cavity with Balsamic!


Submit your ideas, suggestions, tips, tricks, recipes relevant to VINEGAR to: vinegar.uses@gmail.com