A Mouthwatering Way to Enjoy Balsamic Vinegar!

I tried out an idea on the fly this weekend, and it turned out fabulous. As I shared it with fellow STM traders (my Spice Traders Mercantile partners-in-trade), and a few sweet ladies who came in to explore the shop, I realized this idea was destined for the blog! 

So often, as people explore our fusti bar (fusti are the big metal containers housing our balsamic vinegars and EVOO's) I love to pepper in little ideas to help inspire their culinary exploration. One I often suggest is drizzling a sweet or fruity balsamic vinegar over vanilla ice cream. In the essence of that suggestion, my idea consisted of some small clementines (cuties, those tiny oranges that are packed with flavor), a bottle of Spice Traders Mercantile Chocolate Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar, and some top quality vanilla ice cream.

Here is how this dish began. I peeled three small clementines, leaving the wedges connected, the fruit whole. Then, I sliced them perpendicular to the wedges, a bit thinner than a quarter inch. The end result is a slice that looks like a wagon wheel. You want to slice into the sections exposing the juicy center so the slices will absorb the vinegar as they marinate.

Next, I placed them in a shallow dish, separating the slices enough so there is an even layer over the bottom. I poured a generous puddle of the Chocolate Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar, enough to cover all the slices. Oh this vinegar smells so heavenly! Fruity, sweet and rich, all at once! At this point, I wanted the clementine slices to be able to soak up the flavor, so I left them to marinate while I made dinner.

When it was finally time for dessert, I dished up a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, only the finest quality, and gently placed my marinated clementine slices on top. I drizzled a little extra vinegar, just for good measure, so there was a thin sweet brown tint to my vanilla ice cream.

As I placed that first taste into my mouth, the sweet yet tangy explosion of the vinegar paired so perfectly with the bright citrus, followed by the creamy vanilla finish. Heaven I tell you, in a bowl. Fresh, tangy, bright and creamy! My favorite part is the sheer simplicity of this recipe! Prep time is minimal, just set the marinating slices in the fridge while you make dinner, or during the latest episode of your favorite sitcom (this night it was The Office), and you're good to go! Three ingredients, folks, that's it! And if you don't have clementines on your counter, try any other fruit you might have! A berry would pair beautifully, or a mango or anything else you dream up! A banana maybe? Mmm, I'll have to try those next!

Clementines in Chocolate Raspberry Vinegar over Vanilla Ice Cream

3 small clementines
3-4 Tbs STM Chocolate Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar
3 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream, only the finest kind, please

Peel clementines, leaving fruit whole. Thinly slice clementine perpendicular to wedges, creating slices that resemble a wagon wheel. Place slices in a small shallow dish, creating an even layer in the bottom. Pour vinegar over slices, making sure they are fairly well covered. If time, and your tastebuds allow, let slices marinate for 10-30 minutes. After marinating, place slices over scoops of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with a little extra vinegar, and enjoy!