Spotlight Area

"Put Summer in a Bottle, Vinegar"

Featured in the September/October, 2003 Newsletter

Rosemary. Thyme. Basil. Sage. Tarragon. It¹s the smell of summer.

Here¹s a way to take those familiar herb garden flavors and smells and let them infuse your fall and winter months with summer¹s warmth.

Start with a sterilized gallon jar (you can sterilize it in your dishwasher) with a non-reactive lid. Use rice or white wine vinegar that is at least five percent acidic. Wash and dry your herbs; use one cup of fresh herbs for every two cups of vinegar. Put your herbs in a jar and bruise them with a wooden spoon. This will release the fragrance and taste of the herbs into the liquid. Pour in the vinegar without heating. Cover tightly and store in the dark for about three weeks.

Taste and adjust.

When it tastes right to you, strain the vinegar into smaller bottles. Use a wooden chopstick to gently push fresh sprigs of the herbs you¹ve used into the already flavored vinegar. Feel free to experiment. Add red chili peppers, lemon peel, or peppercorns for additional color.

Some good combinations include purple basil in white wine vinegar (creates a bold red color) or chive flowers in rice vinegar (pretty pink color).

Cap the bottles and label them. If you use corks, seal them with wax. Vinegars do not need to be refrigerated and should last for up to two years.

Bottled herb vinegar makes a great gift. Look for long, sleek bottles preferably clear so the color of the vinegar, not the bottle, is the star. For an extra special touch, include a handwritten recipe card perhaps with one of the recipes on this page.

Quick Herbed Vinaigrette
Into a jar with a lid pour 1/4 cup herb vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, plus garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Shake well and serve over your choice of lettuces. Also makes a great marinade for fresh vegetables or meats.

Creamy Herbed Dip/Dressing
Stir together 1/4 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Add 2 teaspoons herb vinegar, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Add garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Toss in a pinch of chopped parsley or chives if desired. Good as a dip with chips or for a salad dressing.