Herb- and fruit-infused vinegars are easy (and economical) to make at home, and they add fresh, bold flavors to salad dressings. They also make a wonderful gift. Read on for our recipes and tips.
Garlic-Herb Vinegar
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves or thyme, tarragon or rosemary sprigs
4 cups white wine or Champagne vinegar
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
2 lemon zest strips, each 1 inch wide and 2 inches long
Have ready a clean, large nonreactive bowl.
Thoroughly rinse the basil leaves or herb sprigs and then pat dry with paper towels. Rough chop the leaves (leave sprigs whole). In a nonreactive saucepan over low heat, warm the vinegar until hot but not yet simmering; do not let it boil. Remove from the heat. Place the basil, garlic and lemon zest in the bowl. Pour in the hot vinegar and stir to combine. Set aside to cool. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 weeks; the longer the vinegar stands, the stronger the flavors will be. Gently stir the vinegar every few days to blend the flavors.
Have ready hot, sterilized bottles.
Strain the vinegar through a fine-mesh sieve and then through a coffee filter. Using a funnel, pour the filtered vinegar into the bottles. Cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 months. Makes 2 one-pint bottles.
