A Gourmet Sundae for Foodies

A Spotlight on Aged Balsamic Vinegar: I’m a fan of this stuff. It's like the perfect little black dress. It's sexy, it stands out in a crowd and you don't use it everyday. Aged balsamic vinegar is not your average supermarket balsamic vinegar. It has a nice amount of acid and a sweet, intense and complex taste. It refines the palate in an indescribable way. This syrupy sensation is great over berries or sweet creamy food like a sweetened marscapone tarts or vanilla bean ice cream. It’s also great with salads. Here’s a quick and easy recipe using aged balsamic vinegar and ice cream. Vinegar and ice cream??? Don’t knock it till you try it. If you like a sharp contrast in flavors, you will love this dessert.

Anyone can make this in a flash. You need two ingredients and the best aged balsamic vinegar you can find. I like aged balsamic vinegar that's at least 12 years old. Yes, aged balsamic vinegar is expensive but a little goes a long long way. Where can you find great aged balsamic in Boston? The North End of course! Salumeria Italiana on 151 Richmond Street, Boston, MA 02109 is a small but fantastic authentic Italian grocer. You can also purchase it online.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Raspberries and aged balsamic vinegar for two:

1/3 cup of raspberries or sliced strawberries

1 cup of super premium vanilla bean ice cream

2 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar (I use Fattoria Estense. Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, 12 years old).

Directions: Scoop vanilla bean ice cream into your favorite ice cream dish. Arrange raspberries or sliced strawberries on top. Drizzle aged balsamic vinegar on top. Eat. Savor. Molto Bene.