Fig Balsamic Vinegar and Baking Powder
Fig Balsamic vinegar is my drug condiment of choice at the moment. Having found the supermarket one overly sweet I decided to make my own. A Google search came up with several recipes but I decided to go with my own. Fresh figs are in season here but you could use dried figs.
FIG BALSAMIC VINEGAR
250 ml balsamic vinegar (regular supermarket, nothing expensive)
10 fresh figs, chopped
1 tablespoon vanilla.
1 tablespoon honey
20 grams dark chocolate ( I used 70%)
Place all ingredients into a saucepan and place on medium heat.
Heat until it boils and then turn temperature down to low.
Simmer for an hour.
Remove from stove and leave to stand overnight.
Drain solids and return liquid to pan. (You could try using the fig pieces in another recipe. I did not experiment)
Boil on high heat until reduced and thick and syrupy.
Pour into container and store in the fridge. I don't know how long it will keep as it is the first time I've made it.
I have also begun making my own baking powder using Heidi's recipe.
BAKING POWDER
1 part baking soda (bicarb of soda)
2 parts cream of tartar
2 parts arrowroot (I didn't have arrowroot so used cornflour)
Mix everything together and store in an airtight container. It should last for a month. To test if it is still active drop a teaspoon into a glass of hot water. If it bubbles vigorously, the powder is still active.
both of these recipes sound wonderful!
Posted by: kat | March 09, 2008 at 03:02 PM
You're simply a clever little sausage!...they look like rich-chocolate commas...by the way, I'm still thinking of the wedding anniversary...gorgeous post ma dear..gorgeous you really
Posted by: Joan | March 09, 2008 at 09:43 PM
I am so in awe of all you marvellous cooks who can create wonderful looking recipes.
Posted by: chrisb | March 10, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Wow - my chin dropped with this one. Fig and Balsamic? Fantastic!
Posted by: Chris | March 11, 2008 at 02:33 AM
Thank you everyone. The fig balsamic is delicious stirred into some caramilised onions.
Posted by: barbara | March 11, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I'm definitely going to try this fig balsamic, gotta buy some more figs first - I commented on this a couple of days ago, but I forget you've got the security code enabled now and navigate away from the window too fast! Opps!
Posted by: Bron | March 12, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Hi Barbara - I'll definitely try this fig balsamic, it just looks/sounds fantastic! It must be really versatile too. Hope all is well, take care. kxxx
Posted by: keiko | March 12, 2008 at 09:28 PM