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Balsamico!
A Balsamic Vinegar Cookbook
by Pamela Sheldon Johns
Ten Speed Press,
February 1999
Hardcover - 111 pages
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In recent years, balsamic vinegar, or aceto balsamico, as it's known in Italy,
has become the gem of the pantry, claiming its rightful place among some of the world's
most prized ingredients. What was once the coveted dowry or inheritance of Italian nobility,
is now a widely acclaimed flavoring available at markets and specialty shops the world over.
In Balsamico!, cooking instructor and award-winning cookbook author Pamela Sheldon
Johns chronicles the vinegar's transformation from "elixir of kings" to today's most popular
flavoring and entices us with over 50 original recipes that reveal the extraordinary
versatility characteristic of balsamico.
Journey to the romantic Italian towns of Modena and Reggio Emilia to discover the complex and
secretive heritage of balsamic vinegar-making, a traditional craft practiced for centuries
in the cool, open-air attics of Italian country estates and villas. As you learn about the
art and science of the process, including how it is aged and nurtured for several decades by
generations of dedicated artisans, you'll also find in-depth advice on selecting both
commercial and fine, traditional balsamic vinegars.
Aceto balsamico, with its sweet, pungent aroma and flavor, lends a savory fullness
to nearly every dish, from salads to desserts. This timeless, irresistible collection includes:
- Roasted Asparagus Drizzled with Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale
- Pumpkin Gnocchi in Aceto Balsamico Cream Sauce
- Pork Roasted with Apples, Honey, and Balsamico
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Cherry-Balsamico Topping
With evocative photographs of the traditional vinegar-making process, as well as tantalizing
photography of the many inspired recipes, Balsamico! presents a delightful tribute
to one of Italy's signature ingredients.
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