Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
Recipe Date: February 27th, 2020
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 2
Cook Time: 01:00:00
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Balsamic Vinegar Reduction Recipe
The dictionary defines reduction as the act or process of reducing. This is concise and fairly straightforward. In the kitchen, reductions are equally concise and straightforward. Reducing is simply the process of thickening a liquid i.e. soup, sauce, wine etc. by heating. This slowly causes evaporation thereby intensifying the flavor of the liquid. Using a pan without a lid is preferable (which allows the vapors to escape) until the desired volume is reached.
Ingredients
- 20 oz Balsamic Vinegar
Directions
- Pour Balsamic Vinegar into a large sauté pan to maximize surface to balsamic ratio. Start at medium heat stirring occasionally, increasing stirring as it thickens. Do not overheat the Balsamic to the point of simmering or boiling—this is a slow reduction. Target temp is a constant 190 degrees. 68 ounces will reduce to approximately 15 oz. (lasts forever and worth every minute) Store in the fridge in a squeeze-bottle and it will become thicker and more viscous over time.
- Serving suggestions: Serve over hard cheeses, Caprese Salad or drizzle on chicken before roasting.
- ** Warning** as this reduces the vinegar odors can get intense; I prefer to do this on day with a cross-draft and the windows open.
Heirloom Caprese Salad
Recipe Date: February 26th, 2020
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 4
Cook Time: 01:00:00
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Heirloom Caprese Salad
The best Caprese salad around. Fresh from the farm ingredients are the real key. Use summer tomatoes if at all possible. Quality mozzarella, basil and olive oil are essential in this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds mixed heirloom tomatoes or the best ripe tomatoes available
- 8-ounce ball of mozzarella, preferably fresh or packed in water
- Handful of fresh basil (smaller leaves look nicer)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt or ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- With a serrated knife, cut the tomatoes into ¼″ thick slices. Arrange them on a large serving platter, overlapping their edges and varying the shapes as best you can.
- Cut the burrata or mozzarella into ¼″ to ½″ slices (burrata is tricky since the inside is so creamy; I cut it into ½″ slices and gently tugged the slices into smaller sections, see photos). Tuck the cheese around and underneath the tomatoes, dispersing it relatively evenly across the platter.
- Sprinkle basil leaves all over, and tuck a few more into the crevices. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- For the best flavor (if you have the time), let the salad rest for 30 minutes so the tomatoes release some juices and the flavors have time to mingle. This salad is best served within a few hours. The perfect wine pairing for this Caprese salad is our Pinot Bianco. Leftovers will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 days.
Related Products – Pinot Bianco
Autumn Mushroom Medley
Recipe Date: August 26th, 2018
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Sautéed Autumn Mushroom Medley
From Mary Davidek
Ingredients
- 10 oz Shitake mushrooms
- 10 oz Portobello mushrooms
- 20 oz Crimini mushrooms
- 16 oz Italian chicken sausage
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 shallot
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 bulb fresh fennel
- 4 oz dry white wine
- 5 oz chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup grated Fontina cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Sauté diced sausage in a large sauté pan; drain fat and set aside.
- Finely chop shallot, garlic, and fennel and sauté with white wine and 1/4 cup butter. Add to cooked sausage and set aside.
- Finely chop mushrooms and sauté with remaining 1/4 cup butter and 4-6 oz of stock until desired texture (about 12 minutes), adjusting liquid as needed.
- Add vegetable and sausage mixture and let cool slightly before folding in cheeses.
- Serve on crostini and pair with Pinot Noir.
Enjoy!
Related Products
Watermelon Salsa
Recipe Date: June 11th, 2018
Serving Size:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients
3 cups diced seedless watermelon
2 jalepeno peppers, seeded and minced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro (approx. 1/2 bunch)
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 tsp salt
Directions
Simply mix all ingredients and serve! Great as pico de gallo for fresh fish tacos, or simply serve all on its own with tortilla chips. A refreshing summer snack for picnics and barbecues. Try with a chilled glass of our Gioia dry rosé of Sangiovese!
– Mary Davidek
As seen on Mary Davidek’s Food and Wine Blog: Summer (Food and Wine) Ramblings
Ahi Avocado Salad with Ponzu
Recipe Date: June 6th, 2018
Serving Size:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Ahi Avocado Salad with Ponzu Dressing
From Mary Davidek
Ingredients
1/2 cup ponzu or soy sauce
3 tbsps water
2 tbsps rice vinegar
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 1/2 tsps lime juice (with zest to taste)
Directions
Mix well and pour over cubed Ahi and Avocado.
“Chardonnay may not be the traditional go-to for Ahi salad, but, a bit of aging leveled off the acidity and the velvety texture of the avocado played off the creamy notes of the Chardonnay. This was a delicious and luxurious pairing.”
– Mary Davidek
See this recipe featured in Mary’s Food and Wine Blog: In Defense of a Napa Valley Hero
