A sweetened balsamic reduction compliments and dresses up many types of fruit. Honey tempers the tartness of vinegar, creating a well balanced reduction. Drizzle some over cantaloupe, honeydew melon, strawberries, or kiwi for example, or use with extra virgin olive oil on a green salad (with or without fruit). Just warn your guests that it is NOT chocolate syrup!
We made a reduction several different ways before settling on our recipe. By reducing the balsamic first, then adding the honey and cooking a little longer, we avoided burning the sugar and ended up with a slightly thick (but not hard and sticky) reduction. We know this from personal experience, so please learn from our mistakes.
- Do not walk away or get distracted by Facebook when you’re making this. It is very easy to overcook and burn. It is not very easy to clean up a hard, sticky mess!
- Turn on the vent fan, as this will stink up your kitchen for a little while. If possible light a nice-smelling candle afterward or bake some chocolate chip cookies to mask the smell of vinegar.
- Do not sniff this while it cooks! However, if someone has fainted nearby, and you don’t happen to have any smelling salts on hand, this will do the trick!
Having given these warnings, don’t be too intimidated. It’s actually very quick and easy to make and will transform your fruit plate or salad into something quite elegant and delicious. Try it with our Watermelon Feta Kabobs.
Our recipe makes a small amount, perfect for 2-4 people. Double or triple it for more than 4 people.
Prep Time | |
1 minute |
Cook Time | Passive Time |
10-12 minutes | 5 minutes |
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Easy!
Inexpensive!
Serves:4people
Serving Size:1 tablespoon
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Balsamic reductions add a substantial flavor punch, so remember, a little goes a long way. We reduce the balsamic with honey or maple syrup to sweeten it just a little. This sweet version is great on salads with fruit and grilled fruit. Try some on our Watermelon Feta Kabobs or on grilled peaches.
Tools:small (1 to 2-quart) saucepan
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- Heat the vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to boil, turn down to medium-low or low. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until reduced by half.
- Remove from heat for a moment while you stir in the honey.
- Return to heat and simmer another 1-2 minutes until thickened to the consistency of chocolate syrup.
- Cool about 5 minutes, if desired. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Drizzle over fruit or salad right before serving.
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