Tarragon Vinegar Food

TARRAGON VINEGAR

Steps:

• Wash tarragon and pat dry. Place in a sterilized jar. Using a wooden spoon, gently bruise the tarragon. Add the vinegar. Cover and store in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks to let flavors develop., Strain and discard tarragon. Pour into a sterilized decorative bottle. Add additional tarragon if desired. Store in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.

TARRAGON VINEGAR

Steps:

• Place the tarragon in a clean glass jar.
• Heat the vinegar to just under the boil.
• Pour over the tarragon.
• Leave to cool without covering the jar.
• If the jar cover is metal, place some clear plastic wrap over the jar before screwing on the cap (to protect the cap from corrosion).
• Leave the jar of vinegar in a dark, dry place for two weeks.
• Strain the tarragon vinegar through a coffee filter into a clean 4-ounce glass bottle that comes with a plastic lid.
• Cap and use for recipes calling for tarragon vinegar.

TARRAGON CHIVE VINEGAR

Steps:

• *Cook's Note: You will need half of the herbs when you start the recipe and half in 2 weeks. It is best to purchase the second half of the herbs when they are needed.
• If using pint jars for storage, you will need 3 jars. If using small wine bottles, each holds approximately 13 ounces; therefore, you will need 4 bottles.
• Put the water and bleach in a large container. Dunk 12 sprigs of tarragon and 12 chive shoots in the solution, and then rinse in cold water. Pat dry.
• Heat the vinegar in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and heat until vinegar reaches 190 degrees F. Place the herbs in a container large enough to hold the vinegar. Pour the vinegar over the herbs, and after the vinegar has cooled, place the lid on the container. Set in a cool dark place for 2 weeks.
• After 2 weeks, sanitize the second half of the herbs as previously, rinse, pat dry, and set aside.
• Sterilize the containers and lids that you will store the vinegar in by immersing them in a large pot of boiling water and boiling for 10 minutes. If using corks, purchase pre-sterilized corks, and then dip them in and out of boiling water 3 to 4 times.
• Discard the old herbs. Strain the vinegar through a sanitized colander or funnel lined with cheesecloth. Divide the fresh herbs among the containers and pour the vinegar over them. Seal and refrigerate. The vinegar may be stored at room temperature for 5 to 6 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

VINEGAR-AND-TARRAGON MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Cook 1 minced garlic clove and 1 diced shallot in butter in a large skillet over medium heat, 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add 1 pound each quartered shiitake and cremini mushrooms; cook until tender, about 10 minutes, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons water if needed. Add 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar and cook until evaporated, 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup chopped tarragon.

BEET SOUP WITH TARRAGON, CHIVES AND YOGURT

Steps:

• Put olive oil in a heavy-bottomed soup pot or deep, wide skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook slowly, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes.
• Add beets and season generously with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne and pour in vinegar. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add water and raise heat to a brisk simmer. Taste broth and adjust. Cook for another 10 minutes, until beets are completely soft.
• Purée in a blender, in batches if necessary, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve. (Consistency should be like heavy cream, no thicker - thin with water or broth as necessary). Return puréed soup to pot and reheat. In a small bowl, combine yogurt with tarragon and chives. Add a good pinch of salt and beat with a fork to loosen yogurt.
• Taste soup, and adjust for salt and vinegar. Ladle into individual bowls. Swirl a large (2 to 3 tablespoons) spoonful of herbed yogurt across the surface of the soup.