The quality of your salad, entree or dessert is only as good as the ingredients that go into it. From farm-to-table restaurants, all natural chefs, to farms that focus all their energy on creating flavor, one thing is certain: one ingredient can make all the difference. With all the options out there, regular chefs and home cooks are still learning about the versatility of various ingredients. Here are some ideas for your next dinner that use aged balsamic vinegar.

1. salads

Balsamic vinegar can be used to make great salad dressings or marinades. For example:

• 1 Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• fresh ground black pepper

This recipe can be used for a wonderful dressing for a salad with arugula or mixed greens, as well as used as a marinade when roasting a tenderloin or other type of meat in the oven. The dressing is easy to make and full of complex flavors and a rich Dijon creaminess. You can also take the vinegar and simply mix it with olive oil and some Italian spices or pre-made flavor packets to create a super easy and quick salad dressing when time is short.

Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad is created with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, with the balsamic sprinkled on top. This is an easy-to-make classic dish that can be served as an appetizer, salad, or main course. All the components balance each other and the flavors merge.

2. starters

Balsamic vinegar is a very versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance many dishes. It adds a tangy and sometimes spicy touch to many dishes, and in particular adds sourness. This acidity is of great benefit to cooked vegetables and meats.

• Pork Tenderloin – Balsamic Roasted Pork Tenderloin is a great dish that produces moist, flavorful meat that is naturally tenderized by the ingredients.
• Chicken Breasts – A quick and easy way to create delicious and flavorful chicken is to marinate it in balsamic and bake it on top. For chicken sandwiches, you can bake the breasts and brown them one last time on the grill for that fire-roasted flavor.
• Salmon – A fork-tender fish fillet can easily be flavored with its own juices using a mixture similar to the salad dressing mentioned above.

3. salty desserts

For a delicious yet savory dessert, a juxtaposition of spicy flavors can be created by combining the flavor of vinegar with soft creamy cheeses and fruit.

• You can try balsamic vinegar with figs, strawberries, peaches, and use Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to create a flavorful yet sweet parfait.
• Strawberries with vinegar give it color and enhance its sweet flavor. Pair with vanilla ice cream and/or serve over angel food cake or pound cake.

Use these tips and recipes as a starting point the next time you plan to have a dinner party.