Why? Because you can! And pickle, and jam, or otherwise celebrate the resurgence of the domestic arts our forebears held so dear. Put on your best apron and step into our kitchen, won't you?
We headed to Acetaia Pedroni to learn about the production of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena -- true balsamic vinegar, not the stuff you find on the grocery store shelves.
Tender baby eggplant and red spring onions pickled in a balsamic vinegar/red wine brine that is versatile enough to go from pasta to grilled cheese, to salad dressing in the blink of an eye!
As with most recipes there are many variations for pickling garlic. This one is quick and easy with balsamic vinegar adding a touch of sweetness. The pickling juices can be used in homemade salad dressings when the garlic is gone.
This jam is quick, involves no canning, and makes just the kind of jam I like–not too sickly sweet. It is proving just the thing to eat up those bi-weekly CSA strawberries. After a year and a half, I'm getting a little fresh strawberried-out.
More strawberry lovin': this time late-season strawberries are paired with white balsamic vinegar and crushed black pepper. Black is the new blue, baby.
