Give the gift of herbed vinegar by making an infusion of delicious red or wine vinegar artistically displayed with sprigs of fresh herbs. This can prove a thrifty alternative to storebought items and adds a special note to salad dressings and marinades, even cooked vegetable dishes, soups and stews.
Instructions
1. Begin three to four weeks in advance if using room temperature vinegar and one to two weeks ahead if you prefer to heat (not quite boil) the vinegar, then cool before pouring over herbs in the bottle.
2. Gather the jar as well as good quality red wine, white wine and cider vinegar: any or all of these. Have fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme, lemon verbena or even mint available. Extras may include red pepper or garlic. Basil, parsley, cilantro, dill or lemongrass may also be used, along with black or green peppercorn. Choose two to four of these herbs and extras per bottle.
3. Place herbs and extra items to flavor vinegar in the jar. Pour the vinegar over the herb mix and seal tightly. Repeat with the same or different mix of herbs for other jars.
4. Strain herbs out of vinegar after three to four weeks, and pour flavored vinegar into clean (preferably sterilized) decorative glass bottles. Store these in a dark cool place. Before presenting, glue a decorative label or attractive patch of fabric to the bottle. Tie the neck of bottle with ribbon or raffia.
Tags: four weeks, fresh herbs, three four, three four weeks
