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Opal-Basil Cinnamon Vinegar

Flavored vinegars can be used to enliven dressings and marinades, finish pan sauces, or pickle vegetables--and they make wonderful gifts. Once the steeping is completed, these vinegars keep for several months. (Garnishes and other solids left in the jar, however, may discolor or break down.)

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

1 cup packed opal basil leaves including any blossoms (available at specialty produce markets) plus sprigs for garnish, rinsed and spun dry
a 3-inch cinnamon stick, broken in two
2 cups white-wine vinegar

Preparation

  1. Put the basil leaves and blossoms in a very clean 1-quart glass jar and bruise them with a wooden spoon. Add the cinnamon and the vinegar and let the mixture steep, covered with the lid, in a cool dark place for at least 4 days and up to 2 weeks, depending on the strength desired. Strain the vinegar through a fine sieve into a glass pitcher, discarding the solids, and pour it into 2 very clean 1/2-pint glass jars. Add the basil sprigs and seal the jars with the lids.

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