Let’s Talk About…Vinegar
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Pictured Above: Balsamic vinegar glaze; Sherry Vinegar; Prosecco Wine Vinegar.
Vinegar. Maybe you use it in salad dressing, or maybe you put some on your French fries.
Personally, it’s my secret weapon - and it can be yours, too!
My husband is a great cook himself. Sometimes I need him to taste my cooking before it’s done, because I know it’s missing something but I’m not sure what! Nine times out of ten, it’s vinegar. A little dash of something acidic like sherry vinegar (my go-to for cooking) can really balance a rich dish and accentuate its flavors.
For instance, in my Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe, I always add a splash of sherry vinegar. It gives it just enough acidity to balance the more savory flavors already in the dish. As previously said, sherry vinegar is my go-to. But if I need a lighter, sweeter vinegar, I might go with Prosecco wine vinegar.
Vinegars are a staple in lots of marinades, sauces, and in condiments like barbecue sauce and ketchup. I probably have at least a dozen types of vinegar in my house right now. Apple Cider, Balsamic, and Red Wine vinegars for salads; Champagne, Sherry, and Prosecco vinegars for accentuating flavor in savory dishes, stews or soups; some Chinese vinegars for the occasional stir fry, or flavor to ramen soup…the possibilities are endless!
The moral of the story is, don’t be afraid to use a little bit of vinegar in what you’re cooking to see if it might heighten the flavors! If your dish feels like it’s missing something, it’s probably acidity. Try a little at a time, perhaps a teaspoon here or there. A little goes a long way!
Above are a few of my favorite vinegars: Sherry Vinegar (not to be confused with Sherry cooking wine); Red Wine Vinegar; and Prosecco Wine Vinegar!
A quick note on the Balsamic Vinegar Glaze above - this glaze is typically thicker than a regular balsamic you find at the grocery store. I find that it sticks to salad components better than the more watery stuff, and if you’re making something like a caprese salad? You’ll not find anything better than a thick balsamic glaze to drizzle on top!
