It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
Strawberry Vinegar
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A tablespoonful or two of this strawberry vinegar in a glass filled with club soda and ice makes a delightfully cooling drink. It also makes an excellent basting sauce for chicken, duck, or pork.
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
ingredients
2 pints fresh strawberries, rinsed and dried
1 quart cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
directions
Hull the strawberries and cut each in half. Set about 1/4 cup of the strawberries aside.
Place the remaining strawberries in a large bowl. Add the vinegar. Stir to mix it gently then cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
Transfer the vinegar and strawberries to a non-reactive saucepan. Add the sugar, mix well, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
Strain the vinegar through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Press out as much liquid as possible from the strawberries. Transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2 quart jar. Add the reserved sliced strawberries. Cover the jar tightly and store in the refrigerator.
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recipe tips
For a stronger flavor, let the vinegar infuse with the strawberries for a longer period before straining.
Try different ratios of strawberries to vinegar for a more intense or mellow flavor.
Use a non-reactive saucepan to prevent any metallic taste from affecting the vinegar.
Try adding a sprig of fresh herbs like mint or basil to infuse more flavors into the vinegar.
Label and date the jar of strawberry vinegar.
Use the strawberry vinegar as a base for homemade vinaigrette for salads.
Mix the strawberry vinegar with olive oil and garlic for a flavorful marinade for meats.
Add a cinnamon stick or whole cloves to the vinegar while simmering for a warm, spiced flavor.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can experiment with other types like white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for different flavors.
Why reserve some sliced strawberries?
Adding reserved sliced strawberries after straining adds visual appeal to the finished vinegar.
Can I reuse the leftover strawberries after straining?
The leftover strawberries can be used in other recipes, the majority of their flavor has been infused into the vinegar but you could puree them and use them as desired.
How long does the strawberry vinegar last in the refrigerator?
When stored in a tightly covered jar in the refrigerator, the strawberry vinegar can last for several weeks to a couple of months.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for optimal flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. The flavor may not be as intense.
What are some uses for the strawberry vinegar?
Aside from using it in drinks, the strawberry vinegar can be used as a marinade, salad dressing, or to drizzle over desserts like ice cream or fruit.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the vinegar?
You can adjust the amount of sugar added to the vinegar to taste.
tools needed
Large Bowl: For combining the hulled strawberries with the vinegar and allowing them to sit at room temperature.
Non-reactive Saucepan: To cook the mixture of strawberries, vinegar, and sugar. A non-reactive material, such as stainless steel, prevents any chemical reactions that could affect the flavor.
Measuring Cups: To accurately measure the sugar and vinegar.
Fine Mesh Sieve: For straining the vinegar mixture, so that solids do not remain in the final product.
Cheesecloth: Lined within the fine mesh sieve to help filter out smaller particles from the strained liquid.
Cooking Spoon: To stir the strawberry and vinegar mixture together, as well as to mix in the sugar before boiling.
Jar: A 1 1/2 quart jar for storing the finished strawberry vinegar. It should have a tight-sealing lid.
Knife: To hull the strawberries and cut them in half as specified in the recipe.
Cutting Board: A stable surface for cutting the strawberries.
what goes with it?
Strawberry Salad: Use the vinegar as a tangy dressing over fresh greens with goat cheese, walnuts, and sliced strawberries. It brings out the natural sweetness of the berries.
Sparkling Strawberry Spritz: Mix the vinegar with prosecco or sparkling wine for a festive cocktail. The fruity notes and bubbly texture are perfect for brunch or a summer evening.
Balsamic Glazed Chicken: Combine the strawberry vinegar with a touch of balsamic to create a glaze for grilled chicken.
Fruit Marinade: Use the vinegar as a marinade for grilled fruit like peaches or pineapple. The acidity enhances the caramelization on the grill.
Duck Confit: Bast the duck legs with strawberry vinegar as they roast for a glaze that goes beautifully with the rich, fatty meat.
Grilled Pork Chops: Drizzle the vinegar on pork chops while grilling to create a sweet and savory crust.
Strawberry Ice Cream Topping: Use the vinegar as a sauce over vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
Dipping Sauce for Spring Rolls: Mix the vinegar with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for a dipping sauce that complements the fresh veggies and proteins in the rolls.
Sparkling Water Enhancer: Use a splash of the vinegar in still or sparkling water. It adds a vibrant flavor without the calories of sugary drinks.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
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reviews & comments
The recipe sounds good. Just wanting to convert ingredients to metric. How many fluid ounces in a quart and a pint please. thanks Patti
There are 32 fluid ounces in a quart and 16 fluid ounces in a pint. However, you wouldn't measure strawberries in fluid ounces. This is approximate but 1 pint strawberries = 3/4 pound = 2 cups sliced.