garden delights: how to make chive vinegar

The chives are once again blooming in my garden. 

I thought I'd share my favorite thing to make with the blossoms. A friend shared this with me years ago and I think of her and this recipe every year when those lovely, lavender flowers come out.

chive blossoms, mixed media.  ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

It's so simple and makes the most gorgeously colored pink vinegar--great for salad dressing, cucumber salad or any summertime salad that needs a splash of vinegar. 

You will need: 

• a large handful of chive blossoms 
• white wine vinegar 
• clean, glass jar with a lid

Directions:

Wash the chive blossoms in a strainer or colander (you don't want any insect hitchhikers!) and  place chives in a clean, glass jar.

In the meantime, bring the white wine vinegar to a boil. You'll need enough to cover the blossoms.

Pour the hot vinegar over the chive blossoms. Let cool, cover and let sit for about a week.

The vinegar will turn the a lovely shade of pink. After 7 days or so, strain off the blossoms and you're done! It looks so pretty sitting in a window with the sun shining through.

Anyone have a favorite salad dressing recipe? 

I usually make a very simple vinaigrette: 2 parts light olive oil to 1 part vinegar, a pinch of salt & pepper, a 1/2 teaspoon or so of Dijon mustard, a bit of sugar or agave to taste.

Enjoy.