The Many Uses For Balsamic Vinegar

Really. What can't you use balsamic vinegar for? In recent years I've become a little obsessed with it and the more I learn about it, the more I see how versatile this fermented grape nectar really is.

Here are my top 10 ways to use balsamic vinegar, in no particular order:

1. Salad dressing

2. Adding finishing flavor to roasted Brussels sprouts

3. Make a balsamic reduction to use with grilled meats (instructions below)

4. Balsamic reduction on a crostini appetizer

5. On a tomato basil salad (nothing says yum like basil and balsamic vinegar!)

6. Paired with garlic and olive oil for a steak marinade

7. As a companion with mozzarella cheese

8. As an ingredient for a zesty barbecue sauce

9. Drizzle balsamic reduction onto vanilla ice cream (really, this tastes great)

10. And, if it were appropriate to drink it, I would! I may have had a sip (shh).

To make a balsamic reduction, put a cup of inexpensive balsamic vinegar in a pan and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low so that it continues to bubble, but not a rolling boil. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vinegar reduces to about 1/2 to 1/4 cup. Once it starts to coat the pan, that's about the time you'll remove it from the heat.

If you like balsamic vinegar in its natural state, you'll love balsamic reduction. Make a bunch and store it in the refrigerator to use on all the above.