| The table is the only place where we do not get | | | | will provide a gift that will be a long-term investment |
| weary during the first hour. -- Anthelme Brillat-Savarin | | | | in good will and the memories that accompany such a |
| Emperor Enrico III took the offered bottle in his hand | | | | thoughtful gift idea. |
| and inspected the flask. | | | | What follows are a few tips to pass along when |
| "It is a disinfectant, my lord," Bonifacio replied | | | | giving Modena balsamic vinegar as a gift... |
| nervously. | | | | A non-reactive pan should always be used when |
| "Yes, I have heard of this before. It is made from | | | | marinating. |
| grapes?" Enrico asked. | | | | Never use aluminum pans or containers with recipes |
| "White grapes," Bonifacio replied. | | | | using balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinaigrette. |
| "Should I give this to my servants for cleaning?" | | | | As little as a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar greatly |
| Enrico asked. | | | | enhances the flavor of soups and sauces. |
| "Oh, my lord, it is of far more value than that. It has | | | | There are some inexpensive varieties of balsamic |
| certain medicinal qualities." Bonifacio began falling all | | | | vinegar that contain sulfites (a preservative). Only |
| over himself as he sought to impress the emperor. | | | | accept balsamic vinegar that is preservative free. |
| "The servants at Canossa castle have even used it | | | | True balsamic vinegar has an indefinite shelf life. |
| with remarkable success in certain recipies. I can say | | | | Heat mellows the flavor of balsamic vinegar - it also |
| with confidence that the food at Canossa is | | | | causes the vinegar to taste sweeter. Adding balsamic |
| exceptional." | | | | vinegar at the end of cooking should provide the |
| "I can see the truth of your words, my corpulent | | | | proper taste. |
| friend," Enrico replied as he passed the balsamic gift | | | | While some use balsamic vinegar for a base in herbal |
| flask to his maidservant. | | | | balsamic vinaigrettes, many do not recommend it for |
| * * * * * | | | | such use. |
| There may be many within your circle of influence | | | | When harvesting fresh strawberries or raspberries |
| that have never had the rare and stunning honor of | | | | from your garden you might be surprised how much |
| trying a dish served with balsamic vinegar. Consider | | | | the favor is enhanced by using a sprinkle of balsamic |
| balsamic as a perfect gift idea. The very versatile | | | | vinegar and a dash of sugar. |
| Modena balsamic vinegar provides radical taste in | | | | The gift of Modena balsamic vinegar is either an |
| everything from fish to ice cream and fruit to salad. | | | | introduction to a great secret - or it is the thrill of |
| The pricing structure for authentic 'aceto balsamic | | | | receiving one of the world's greatest tastes. |
| tradizionale' balsamic vinegar may seem as if you are | | | | Balsamic vinegar makes a perfect gift idea for |
| purchasing liquid gold. Perhaps, on one level, you are. | | | | birthdays, housewarming gifts, Christmas gifts and |
| You see, while the uses for balsamic vinegar are | | | | those moments when you just want someone to |
| many, the amount needed for recipes is often | | | | know that you care. Find a true Modena balsamic |
| measured in drops. The flavor is so concentrated | | | | vinegar, like that which is produced by Villa Bellentani, |
| that a pint-sized bottle of Modena balsamic vinegar | | | | its worth every penny. has several varieties. |