MoFo 15: Flavored Vinegars

Like homemade flavored oils, flavored vinegars are easy and economical to make.  Start with a quality vinegar.  My default is white wine vinegar, but you can use plain ol' distilled white vinegar if you want.  I'm not sure why you'd want to, but there ya go ... options.

This master recipe for flavored vinegar is adapted from The Cook's Bible:

Master Recipe for Flavored Vinegar

Some of the flavoring ingredients can be combined, such as the jalapeño peppers, the garlic, and the black pepper.

Flavorings (choose 1 or more):

• 1 cup raspberries  OR
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed,  OR
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed,  OR
• 1 cup fresh herbs  OR
• 2 jalapeño peppers

Along with:

• 2 cups white wine vinegar
  

1. Bring vinegar to just under a boil and pour over flavoring ingredients.  Let steep for 7 days.  Strain through cheesecloth and store in a closed container in a cool, dark place.
   

As with all food handling and storage, be clean.  Making herbed vinegar is a great way to use up the last of the bounty from your herb garden.  Flavored vinegars also make great gifts.