Two Recipes Using Balsamic Vinegar
Garden Confetti Salad and Sundried Tomato and Onion Chicken
Oct 7, 2007
Garden Confetti Salad
Ingredients for Dressing
- 2 tbsp French Vinaigrette Dressing Mix
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
Ingredients for Salad
- 1 pound prepared pasta
- 1-2 cups cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- 1-2 cups cubed Swiss cheese
- 1-2 cups cubed tomatoes
- 1-2 cups cubed summer sausage
Optional
- 1 onion coarsely chopped
- 1-2 cups cubed cucumbers
- 1-2 cups cubed zucchini or other summer squash
Preparing the Dressing
Pour two tablespoons of hot water over the dressing mix. Let rest for five minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Preparing the Salad
Combine all the salad ingredients with the dressing. Let the flavors combine in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
Hints and Suggestions
This salad is great to make ahead and can be served as a single course meal.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Onion Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 cup dried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 chicken breasts frozen
- 1/3 cup butter melted
- 1 tbsp herbes de provence
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Chop the onion coarsely and place in the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread the dried tomatoes over the onion. Pour 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar over the onions and tomatoes.
- Combine melted butter with the herbes de provence. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts. Completely coat them, they will be sealed in the hardened butter-herb mixture.
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the onions and tomatoes. Pour 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar over everything.
- Cook in slow-cooker on high for three hours.
Hints and Suggestions
- This is a great meal for those days when you are pressed for time. The prep time is minimal and you can make it well-ahead of the meal.
- Substitute dried tomatoes from your garden for sun-dried tomatoes. (DON’T FORGET THE LINK)
- Makes a delicious meal served with baked potatoes, green salad, and homemade bread. (Try Beer Bread with Yeast for a delicious homemade bread recipe).
Baked Potatoes in the Slow Cooker
Clean the potatoes thoroughly. Poke two or three holes on each side. Wrap in foil. Place in slow cooker. Turn slow cooker on high and bake for 2.5-5 hours. The more potatoes you prepare, the longer they will need to bake in the slow cooker.
What is Balsamic Vinegar?
Balsamic Vinegar is an aged vinegar made from grapes. High quality balsamic vinegar has nothing but grapes in it and is usually made from the Trebbiano grape, which grows in Modena, Italy. It is made by boiling grape juice until it is a thick syrup and then it is placed in wooden barrels to age. High quality balsamic vinegar is aged for many years and is transferred to different wooden barrels during the aging process so that it takes on the essence of different varieties of wood.
Do not use cheap balsamic vinegars. You get what you pay for and if you use cheap vinegars, your food will not taste good. Check the label, if it reads aceto balsamico tradizionale you know that your vinegar is processed according to Modena standards. Then the only consideration is how long the vinegar has been aged (the longer the vinegar is aged the better).
