Flavored balsamic vinegars do more than create tasty salad dressings, marinades and glazes. They can make sophisticated desserts: drizzle cherry, strawberry and raspberry balsamics over berries and other fresh fruit, over vanilla ice cream, and even slices of fresh goat cheese. You can reduce the vinegar and add stock to make a sauce for duck or pork.

Or, drizzle it onto a duck or pork sandwich (add some arugula!). Perk up a soup, stew or casserole by adding a spoonful. Look for fruit balsamics at fine supermarkets and specialty stores. Try some in a cocktail!

One of our favorite fruit balsamics has been the Cherry Balsamic from Restaurant LuLu Gourmet Products. But we just discovered this family of flavored balsamics from Lucero, in Blueberry, Fig, Peach, Red Apple and Wild Cherry. We’ve just started dressing, mixing and cooking with the line and will report back in a full review in the December issue of THE NIBBLE webzine.

Lucero balsamic vinegars are made by a third-
generation family producer in California’s Sacramento Valley. Photo by Evan Dempsey |
THE NIBBLE.