Balsamic-erry Aire

I love vinegar. I add it to pretty much any dish in which it seems remotely capable of enhancing the overall flavor. I make no apologies for my grocery-store-bought balsamic. You may not be able to sip is as you would a liqueur, like the fancypants foodies like to brag of the pricey brines in their pantries, but it still adds a fine punch to my dinner, thankyouverymuch.

But I have become curious about the claims I've read online that state that a cheap balsamic vinegar, reduced by half (or more) would come as close to the expensive stuff as you can get without shelling out the big bucks. And if I read it online, it must be true, right? The Internets wouldn't lie to me.

So when, in cleaning out my pantry, I discovered an extra bottle of balsamic vinegar, I figured I'd give it a try. I quick online tutorial instructed me to bring the vinegar to a boil and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until it had reduced by three quarters and had the consistency of thin chocolate sauce.

Directions were followed to the letter. I now have a quarter bottle of thick, syrupy balsamic that tastes, well, pretty darn good. It's definitely more complex than before - it's almost caramel-y. I now also have a highly vinegar-scented home. The vapors were so heavy as to, I swear, induce light-headedness. I was high on the balsamic.

Had I thought this through, I might have chosen a non-freezing cold day to undertake this activity. Just as I was realizing that windows needed to be opened to release the intoxicating veil of vinegar, it began to snow. Not a heavy wet snow that sticks to tree branches and makes everything pretty. No, today it is just barely warm enough for snow to fall, so the crispy little flakes swirl about on the street and blow every which way through the bitter wind. So the windows were only allowed open for a brief breath of fresh air. Not nearly enough to disperse the fumes de vinegar. Now the vinegar is cooled and bottled, windows closed and scented candles lit. And I am left with a freezing cold apartment that smells of sandalwood candles and just enough vinegar to make you think I am really getting a jump on coloring those easter eggs.