Balsamic Glaze
This two-ingredient balsamic glaze recipe is your pantry’s secret weapon. The simple reduction of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar or honey will leave you with a thick glaze and concentrated, complex sweet-sour flavor. When boiling the vinegar, be sure to turn on the vent or open a window, as the mixture is as fragrant as it is potent. Adding a sweetener is completely optional; the vinegar will naturally become more intense and a bit sweeter as it cooks down. If your reduction becomes too thick, simply add a dash of water to help loosen. Add this glaze to marinades, dressings or roasted vegetables (such as broccoli), or drizzle it over caprese salad or grilled peaches. Toss strawberries with a spoonful of balsamic glaze to enhance their flavor for strawberry shortcakes or strawberry pretzel pie.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 1 person
Ingredients
- 2cups balsamic vinegar
- ¼cup light brown sugar or honey (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Mix the vinegar and sugar (if using) together in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high, then decrease the heat to maintain a strong simmer and cook until reduced by about half, 15 to 20 minutes. The reduction will lightly coat the back of a spoon when done and should be the consistency of maple syrup when cooled. (The mixture will thicken as it cools.)Step 2
Cool completely before using. Reduction will keep, refrigerated in an airtight container, for up to one month.