Talking to my old friend Jude the other day she mentioned my Gran's delicious Yorkshire Puddings which in turn led her to remembering her Gran, Doris's (aka 'Blossom')
Blackberry Vinegar which, as children, they used to sprinkle over Yorkshire Puddings with a little sugar.
I had never heard of this, so checked in my Good Housekeeping 'Complete Book of Home Preserving', and there it was
Fruit Vinegars. It doesn't mention the Yorkshire Pudding bit, but says it can be used to replace wine vinegar in salad dressings.
Place washed fruit in a bowl and break it up slightly with the back of a wooden spoon. For each 500g of fruit, pour in 600ml. of malt vinegar. Cover and leave to stand for 3-4 days, stirring occasionally. Strain and add 500g of sugar to each 600ml. Boil for 10minutes then cool, strain again and pour into bottles, and seal with vinegar-proof tops. Add a few whole pieces of fruit to each bottle, if liked. Sounds alright doesn't it.
You can also make
Herb Vinegars by filling bottles with sprigs of leaves from freshly gathered herbs such as rosemary, tarragon, mint, thyme. Fill with red or white wine vinegar then cover and leave in a cool, dry place for about 6 weeks. Strain, taste and add more vinegar if the flavour is too strong. Pour into bottles and seal. Again this can be used to make salad dressings.
(photo courtesy of Good Housekeeping)
I've never heard of fruit vinegars, but it sounds delicious. Not sure about pouring it on Yorkshire Puddings though.
ReplyDeleteI remember Raspberry Vinegar and sugar sprinkled on Yorkshire Puddings. I also remember having leftover Puddings with Jam :)Mo
ReplyDeleteWell I never did. I remember leftover Yorkshires with jam on myself - waste not want not was the motto, The fruit vinegar thing was obviously more popular than I thought. My family was originally from yorkshire, and the puddings were served separately, a bit like a starter, with the gravy from the roast.
ReplyDeleteWe are great fans of Cassis (blackcurrant) vinegar. It makes a lovely rich salad dressing, particularly with tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteWe've been enjoying Pen's (Little Herb Farm)fruit and herb vinegars. Lovely with cheese and salads and on ice-cream. Thanks for the recipe, Elaine.
ReplyDeleteJanet - never thought about using it on ice cream, will give it a try.
ReplyDelete