# Balsamic Vinegar - How do I use it? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 15, 2007, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245 "2007-04-15T19:40:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Batsinma\_Belfry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea5d25/32.png) [@Batsinma\_Belfry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Batsinma_Belfry)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/1 "2007-04-15T19:40:48Z")
I found an affordable bottle and snatched it, because I’d heard how wonderful it is. And yes, it is quite tasty. I mixed a little with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic and drizzled it onto a roast. It was delicious! I would like to try it in a salad dressing, after I locate a recipe. So, what else can I use it for? ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/2 "2007-04-15T19:51:04Z")
This doesn’t work for everybody, but I like a little (very little!) drizzled on fresh strawberries with cracked black pepper. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/3 "2007-04-15T19:56:05Z")
[QUOTE=Struan] This doesn’t work for everybody, but I like a little (very little!) drizzled on fresh strawberries with cracked black pepper. [/QUOTE] Cracked black pepper? I’ll have to try that. Here, we dip our fresh strawberries in balsamic vinegar, then in powdered sugar. ---
**Author:** ![Tamryne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@Tamryne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamryne)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/4 "2007-04-15T19:56:46Z")
You can make a really nice sauce by reducing some over a medium heat in a pan, mixed with a little butter. Don’t let it boil, and stir it until it thickens a little. I usually use it to jazz up basic chicken and veggies. Its slightly tangy with the balsamic taste, but not overwhelmingly vinegar-y. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/5 "2007-04-15T19:58:47Z")
I’ll have to try that. Around here for a special treat I’ll serve Strawberries Romanov, which are halved large strawberries that have marinated in vodka overnight. Drain and top with a sprinkling of brown sugar and a dollop of sour cream. The balsalmic vinegar approach sounds delish. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/6 "2007-04-15T20:09:57Z")
[QUOTE=silenus] I’ll have to try that. Around here for a special treat I’ll serve Strawberries Romanov, which are halved large strawberries that have marinated in vodka overnight. Drain and top with a sprinkling of brown sugar and a dollop of sour cream. The balsalmic vinegar approach sounds delish. [/QUOTE] That sound great. The vodka will be nicely flavoured too, I’ll bet. ---
**Author:** ![rucciface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ba9def/32.png) [@rucciface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rucciface)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/7 "2007-04-15T20:25:38Z")
Here’s a very basic and IMO delicious salad dressing recipe: Reduce a quart of balsamic vinegar with one cup of honey (granulated sugar works well, also, and is less expensive). This dressing is especially good on a salad of fresh spinach and goat cheese. ---
**Author:** ![Batsinma\_Belfry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea5d25/32.png) [@Batsinma\_Belfry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Batsinma_Belfry)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/8 "2007-04-15T20:39:41Z")
I never would’ve thought to use it with fruit. I love strawberries. Around here, everybody mixes sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit until they form a syrup, then add whipped cream. It’s good but way too sweet for me. ---
**Author:** ![Cowgirl\_Jules](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@Cowgirl\_Jules](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cowgirl_Jules)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/9 "2007-04-15T20:59:59Z")
I roast a lot of different vegetables in the same concotion that you used on your roast. I sautee mushrooms in it instead of wine. And it’s fabulous drizzled over a perfectly fresh avocado, and garnished with a little kosher salt and some black pepper. ---
**Author:** ![ThisSpaceForRent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisspaceforrent/32/345_2.png) [@ThisSpaceForRent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisSpaceForRent)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/10 "2007-04-15T21:05:36Z")
I LOVE good balsamic. One of my favorite recipes for it is to make a glaze for grilling, roasting or pan frying by reducing 1 cup Balsamic and 2/4 cup of brown sugar…bring to slow boil then reduce heat and simmer till a honey like consistency. Use this on Pork chops, chicken, beef, fish, veggies. So so good, and you can make a big batch as it will keep forever in the fridge. Use your imagination… ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/11 "2007-04-15T21:06:39Z")
[QUOTE=Batsinma Belfry] I found an affordable bottle and snatched it, because I’d heard how wonderful it is. And yes, it is quite tasty. I mixed a little with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic and drizzled it onto a roast. It was delicious! I would like to try it in a salad dressing, after I locate a recipe. So, what else can I use it for? [/QUOTE] I have an entire cookbook devoted to recipes using basalmic vinegar. I love the Apple Cider and Basalmic Vinegar Mustard recipe. The book discusses how the natives of Emilia-Romagna use it to pep up tomato sauces, as well as pestos. Then, there is the Potato and Caramelized Onion Frittata, using basalmic vinegar to carmelize the onions. Or the Salmon with Gingered Balsalmic Vinegar Sauce. Need any more ideas? 😃 Oh, did I mention my favorite restaurant salad ever? The one with the warm lamb, goat cheese and basalmic vinegrette? MMMMMMMMMMMMM ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/12 "2007-04-15T21:26:49Z")
Coarsely chop a head of red cabbage and toss into a pot. Add about 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and a tablespoon or so of honey. Season with a pinch or two of kosher salt. Cover and simmer until desired softness, stirring from time to time to distribute the flavors. Add a handful of dried cranberries for a little zing, if desired. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/13 "2007-04-15T21:33:06Z")
Can I ask what is kosher about kosher salt? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/14 "2007-04-15T21:33:54Z")
Larger grains and no added iodine. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/15 "2007-04-15T21:34:53Z")
[QUOTE=DSYoungEsq] I have an entire cookbook devoted to recipes using basalmic vinegar. I love the Apple Cider and Basalmic Vinegar Mustard recipe. The book discusses how the natives of Emilia-Romagna use it to pep up tomato sauces, as well as pestos. Then, there is the Potato and Caramelized Onion Frittata, using basalmic vinegar to carmelize the onions. Or the Salmon with Gingered Balsalmic Vinegar Sauce. Need any more ideas? 😃 Oh, did I mention my favorite restaurant salad ever? The one with the warm lamb, goat cheese and basalmic vinegrette? MMMMMMMMMMMMM [/QUOTE] You might really enjoy the gourmet balsamic vinegars from [here](http://www.madeinnapavalley.com/products.shtml). We particularly love their [Blackberry Balsamic with Pear](http://www.madeinnapavalley.com/FB_BB.shtml). Yum! ---
**Author:** ![porcupine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ac91a4/32.png) [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/16 "2007-04-15T21:35:45Z")
[QUOTE=Cowgirl Jules] I roast a lot of different vegetables in the same concotion that you used on your roast. [/QUOTE] Especially yummy marinated with asparagus, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/17 "2007-04-15T21:48:30Z")
Get a small dish, pour in some good olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and dip bread in it. ---
**Author:** ![FilmGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/18 "2007-04-15T21:49:37Z")
Drizzled with olive oil over fresh tomatoes and mozzerella. ---
**Author:** ![ThisSpaceForRent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisspaceforrent/32/345_2.png) [@ThisSpaceForRent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisSpaceForRent)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/19 "2007-04-15T21:53:54Z")
[QUOTE=FilmGeek] Drizzled with olive oil over fresh tomatoes and mozzerella. [/QUOTE] Add some fresh Basil and shaved red onion…I’m in 🙂 tsfr ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2007, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245/20 "2007-04-15T22:03:26Z")
[QUOTE=Struan] This doesn’t work for everybody, but I like a little (very little!) drizzled on fresh strawberries with cracked black pepper. [/QUOTE] I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. I can’t even imagine. I think I’m going to have nightmares tonight. [QUOTE=Tamryne] You can make a really nice sauce by reducing **some** over a medium heat in a pan, mixed with **a little** butter. Don’t let it boil, and stir it until it thickens a little. [/QUOTE] That sounds good as a steak sauce, but what is “some” and what is “a little”? Some could be anything from, say, 2 tablespoons, to a half cup, to 1 cup. A little could be anything from one pat, to a tablespoon, to half a stick. It would be, in this household, for either one or maybe two people. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balsamic-vinegar-how-do-i-use-it/400245.md?page=2)