Jogging My Memory

The holidays are behind us and its back to the books for me.

I really enjoyed seeing Tyler, spending time with family, and eating way too much holiday food.

We enjoyed a delicious last meal with my family on the Monday night before my parents took us to the airport early for my flight.

For dessert we used something a little untraditional, balsamic vinegar.

At Foodbuzz Festival, I had the pleasure of talking to the people at House of Balsamic. They offered to send me a few products to try and review.

I love a good balsamic vinegar, so I was very excited when I received Saporoso: Balsamic Vinegar Aged for 6 Years.

I made everyone try a little on a spoon to see what they thought. My mom was impressed with how smooth it was and that it wasn’t vinegary like some balsamics.

I get bored of using balsamic vinegar on traditional dishes, so when I noticed some fresh strawberries in the refrigerator, I knew exactly how I wanted to test out the Saporoso.

My mom made some fresh shortcakes. We cut up the strawberries, added a little sugar, and let them juice to form a nice sauce.

After dinner we topped the shortcakes with the strawberry sauce and a little bit of ice cream. Then I drizzled a teaspoon of the House of Balsamic Saporoso over each dish.

I loved the little bit of tartness that the Saporoso added to and how well it combined with the vanilla ice cream.

House of Balsamic provided me some more suggestions on how to use the Saporoso:

• On crepes
• Drizzled over a vegetable frittata
• Brie and chive strata with balsamic
• Grilled asparagus with lemon zest and balsamic
• Lemon linguine finished with balsamic
• Grilled vegetables with balsamic drizzle
• Roasted potatoes with rosemary
• Baked ziti with balsamic
• Grilled tri-tip
• Drizzled over vanilla honey pound cake
• Apple tart with ice cream and balsamic

I love the idea of drizzling it over a frittata or strata.

What is your favorite way to use balsamic vinegar? Have you ever tried using it for a dessert?

Its been awhile hasn’t it. I’ve been busy with a cross-country road trip, Thanksgiving, and then exams, all in a row.

Despite the craziness, I’ve been enjoying a little holiday cheer.

I try not to drink too much soda (my dentist agrees with that idea) but this stuff only comes once a year, so I have to enjoy it while I can.

And these only come once a year as well.

You saw that coming didn’t you, because you know of my love of SweeTarts?

And to take care of my mental health during the holidays I’ve been giving myself manicures and pedicures using this winter color: Essie Merino Cool.

I think its dark, but classy and doesn’t look harsh like plain black nail polish.  I’d show you how it looks on my nails but it has been a week since I did mine, so they are looking a little ragged. I can’t wait to pamper myself a little later in the week with an all new paint job.

In other news, I get to see Tyler in less than a week, if that isn’t exciting and a reason for holiday cheer, then I don’t know what is!

I’ve got another update on what he’s been up to, I’m saving it for a little later in the week.