I am not satisfied with the good ole handful of almonds or ants on a log (celery sticks topped with peanut butter and raisins). Although those are great snacks, healthy nonetheless, I wanted the kind that is a bit out of the ordinary. Now, you are probably thinking, "Jeanine, what are you talking about? A snack is a snack. Just eat something so it holds you over until the next meal!" It's just not that simple ha ha ha.
How did I solve this problem? I looked to the fridge! (Who doesn't, right?!) I saw a block of Colby Jack cheese, some strawberries, and cherry tomatoes. I looked to these items because I did not want anything high in carbs, sugar, or processed. Hmmmm what was I to do? I said something needs to tie these random flavors together! Then I remembered what those schmancy restaurants do, they drizzle something over the plate! But what? Sweet, salty, sour? I am not a chef! Pintrest here I come!
Looked in the pantry and found balsamic vinegar. Oh my goodness. I had an aha moment! I would do a balsamic glaze drizzle that over my randomly picked plate! With my sauce pan and computer in hand I learned how to reduce balsamic vinegar to a tasty syrup. Not your ordinary snack, right? But it was so easy....I....kind of had it again for breakfast today.
It's only me using the glaze so I reduced a half cup in a sauce pan on medium heat. I added two small packets of sugar (Yes, those packets on restaurant tables...we buy that in bulk...helps with portion control ha ha ha). I actually used it to cut the acidity of the vinegar and make it more syrup-y. It WAS my first time making it, so made sure it had what it needed to taste...like a glaze! Let it simmer and stir occasionally, it does not take long, so do not take your eye off it. Your house will smell sour and if there is anyone home, they will prrrrobably make a face and say, "What is that???" I only say it because I experienced it! Smell a little, yes. Taste a lot good, mmmmmhmmm.
Store it in a glass container and it keeps well in the fridge. To soften again, place the bowl in hot water.
I am so glad I have a new snack to turn to. Puts the interesting back into my everyday blah. Enjoy!
Happy snacking,
Jeanine
