Seasoning Recipes - Flavored Vinegars

Spiced Blackberry Vinegar

2 pounds blackberries, fresh or frozen
2 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons allspice berries
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 1/3 cups vinegar
2 cups granulated sugar
A few fresh blackberries, for garnish (optional)

Pick over the blackberries, removing any moldy or damaged parts. Break the cinnamon sticks into pieces. Put all the spices on a square of cheesecloth and tie up with a piece of string.

Put the vinegar and sugar into a large saucepan. Stir over low heat, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add the spice bag. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the blackberries and simmer for 10 minutes longer. Remove from the heat and leave the blackberry mixture to cool completely. Discard the spice bag.

Line a funnel with a double layer of cheesecloth. Strain the flavored vinegar through it into sterilized bottles, to within 1/8 inch of the tops. Add fresh blackberries, if desired, to each bottle. Seat the bottles and label. The vinegar is now ready to use.