Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar

Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar
Serves 1

1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping, which is what I used. I was out of whipping cream)
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1. Layer half of the strawberries and whipped cream.
2. Repeat with the remaining berries and cream.
3. Drizzle vinegar over the top.
4. Serve immediately.

Nutritional data:

Calories:      71

Fat:            2.2g

Sat fat:          2g

Chol:          0mg
Sodium:   2.1mg

Carbs:      13.3g

Fiber:         1.7g

Protein:      0.6g

I used a special balsamic vinegar, from Olivada Oils, in Sheboyan,Wisconsin which is about an hour from my home. 

This is their dark chocolate infused balsamic vinegar. It added a complex flavor of cocoa with some oak, and vanilla, and what tasted like a very dark beer in the background. It was WONDERFUL in this dessert (although I will admit not everyone will like it.)

If you are unfamiliar with balsamic vinegars, the aging process doesn't make them less sour than traditional vinegar, but adds flavors that bring a new balance, which makes the sourness seem appropriate and even, and more like tartness rather than truly sour.

Note to any beer geeks out there: if you really enjoy the sour beers of Belgium, you need to get a bottle of this. I think--but haven't tried it, yet--that drizzling this over a bowl of Bing cherries will end up tasting like a kriek, and over raspberries it will taste like a framboise. If anyone tries those ideas, please let me know, okay?

Go to Olivada's website and take a look at the olive oils and balsamic vinegars they offer. If you are near Sheboygan, go to the shop and taste. I spent about an hour (yes, I logged the oils that I tastes) tasting different oils and vinegars, and mixing them together for combined flavors. 

Here are the treasures I bought that day:

They will be featured in recipes to come.  Keep watching, and I hope you try today's recipe. When you do, let me know what you think, even if you don't like it. (But I am confident that you will.)