Balsamic Glaze

• 2 cups good quality balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar (optional)

Heat the balsamic vinegar in a small pot or saucepan over medium heat. *If adding sugar, combine both the vinegar and sugar into the pot and heat them together.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar thickens and is reduced to about ½ cup (about 20 minutes). It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. *If simmering with the sugar, it will take about 8-10 minutes to reduce.

Remove the glaze from the heat and allow it to cool completely before serving (about 15 minutes).

• Yields: ½ cup
• Preparation Time: 30-45 minutes, depending on how you make it