FLAVORED VINEGARS

Steps:

• Horseradish vinegar
• Peel and grate 2 ounces of freshly dug horseradish root and pack into a large sterilized jar with 2 finely chopped shallots, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Heat 2 1/2 cups of cider vinegar to just below boiling and pour over the mix. Seal and store for a month or so before straining and bottling. I like to use this vinegar for pickling cucumbers or beets.
• Nasturtium vinegar
• Fill a wide-necked 20-ounce jar with freshly gathered, brilliantly colored nasturtium flowers, a few spicy nasturtium seed pods (see p. 103), 2 chopped shallots, 8 to 10 peppercorns, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Pour in 2 cups of cold white wine vinegar. Store for a month or so in a sunny spot, giving the jar a shake every now and then. Strain the vinegar and discard the flowers. Pack into a sterilized jar with a couple of fresh nasturtium flowers to identify the vinegar.
• To make a splendid summer salad dressing, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to 1/2 cup of nasturtium vinegar and whisk in 1 cup of olive or canola oil.
• Mixed herb vinegar
• Mix a heaping 1/4 cup of herbs-chives, parsley, tarragon, fennel, thyme, or whatever you have-with 2 cups of cold white wine vinegar or cider vinegar. Store for 3 to 4 weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain, discard the herbs, and bottle.
• Spiced samphire vinegar
• Pack 2 ounces of samphire, 6 allspice berries, and 2 finely chopped shallots into a large jar. Pour in 2 cups of cold rice vinegar or cider vinegar. Store for 2 to 3 months before straining and bottling. This is great with fish and in sweet-and-sour sauces.