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Balsamic Blackberry Glaze

Source of Recipe

From "Food, Gift, Love" by Maggie Battista


Recipe Introduction

"Balsamic vinegar is a staple in my home and, likely, yours. It raises the bar for a simple green salad, but when you reduce it into my Balsamic Blackberry Glaze, its uses multiply. This thick and gooey sauce is divine on pork or chicken. Stunning on a warm beet salad with creamy goat cheese. Oh so sophisticated and special on good vanilla ice cream. It's luxurious brushed onto peaches before a quick grill. As well, this glaze adores clear spirits — a little vodka and bubble water is all it needs to become the hit of your cocktail hour (though extra blackberries for floating are a plus). Make sure you taste the blackberries beforehand. Extra-sour fruit may require a bit more sugar. A middle of the road balsamic vinegar (not too sour) works fine, but choose a version that's not too sour and not too over-the-top fancy. Though if you want to go all the way fancy, I am not going to stand in your way, ever."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 2 cups balsamic vinegar
â—¦ 2 cups blackberries
â—¦ 1/4 cup light brown sugar, loosely packed


Recipe

In a medium nonreactive pot over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar, blackberries, and sugar. Smash up the berries a bit with a wooden spoon to get things started. Bring to boil (watch it closely so it doesn't bubble or foam up too high), then reduce the heat to low.

Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally to continue to smash up the blackberries. The glaze is done when it coats the back of your spoon and reduces in size by about half — about 30 minutes. It won't be super thick like a maple syrup, but thinner, juicier. Let cool a few minutes.

Strain the blackberries from the glaze, pressing on the fruit to extract all the liquid. Discard the fruit. While the mixture is still hot, carefully ladle the glaze into jars. Seal and store in the fridge up to 2 weeks. Always bring the glaze to room temperature before using, and stir it with a spoon to loosen it.


Makes about 2 cups



GIFT WRAP:

â—¦ Glass bottle with airtight lid
â—¦ Letter stamps and inkpad (optional)
â—¦ Tag
â—¦ String
â—¦ Brush (optional)

Fill a clean bottle with the glaze. Wipe the rim and seal. Stamp (if using) the label on a tag. Thread string through the tag and tie it around the bottle. Slip a brush (if using) through the string.