Quick question about vinegars.

If a recipe calls for red wine vinegar is it ok to substitute with balsamic vinegar?

[Robin Garr]

If a recipe calls for red wine vinegar is it ok to substitute with balsamic vinegar?

Define "ok", Doogy. I'm sure the recipe would work, but balsamic has such a bold flavor that it seems to me this substitution would change the character of the recipe.

But here's a trick that DOES work: Take 1 measure of white vinegar or rice wine vinegar and whisk in 1/2 to 1 measure of dry red wine, tasting as you go. This results in a mix that's close enough to use even in salads as well as cooking.

I was thinking the same thing about how much stronger of a taste the balsamic would be than the red wine vinegar. Some dishes could handle it but I think what I'm making won't so I'll just use the red wine vinegar. Thanks for the tip.

It isn't as quick as your fix Robin, but I make killer red wine vinegar. Using a bottle of off the shelf red wine vinegar, add it to that 1/2 bottle, or more, of red wine you didn't drink for supper. Don't cork it-cover it with several layers of cheese cloth and secure with a rubber band. Set it in the dark for 2-3 weeks. You can add more wine any time. It so much better than any regular red wine vinegar I have ever bought. I am going to try the same process with sherry.

[Robin Garr]

It isn't as quick as your fix Robin, but I make killer red wine vinegar. Using a bottle of off the shelf red wine vinegar, add it to that 1/2 bottle, or more, of red wine you didn't drink for supper. Don't cork it-cover it with several layers of cheese cloth and secure with a rubber band. Set it in the dark for 2-3 weeks. You can add more wine any time. It so much better than any regular red wine vinegar I have ever bought. I am going to try the same process with sherry.

Oooohhh! I'm trying that soon, Nancy. Thanks!

As you likely discerned, my quick-fix doesn't make the equivalent of high-end red wine vinegar, but it does work, and there are times when any workable solution is better than none.

Nancy,

That's a great idea! I've gotten very spoiled using (sparingly) excellent Volpaia red wine vinegar($14.00 for 8 oz retail, and well worth it). But my supply is almost gone, and having a good red wine vinegar to use in quantity. (like in a marinade) would be wonderful!

What varietal of red do you use?

DEb