#balsamic-vinegar

#balsamic-vinegar

Italian cuisine is among the most famous in the world, and for good reason. Iconic dishes like pizza and pasta are fan favorites no matter where you are in the world. And these two categories of Italian food in particular showcase the most classic Italian sauce, red sauce. Red sauce can be a stewed tomato sauce or a simple marinara sauce. While traditional recipes uphold strict standards that ban certain ingredients, an unconventional yet gourmet upgrade to Italian tomato sauces is balsamic vinegar.

Born in the north of Italy in 1924, Hazan came to the United States with her Italian-born American husband in 1955, and her disappointment with American food encouraged her to learn to cook, especially dishes that she missed from home. Hazan went on to become a legendary teacher and author, writing some of the most beloved Italian cookbooks ever, which introduced Americans to real Italian cooking in the 70s.

A sweet bite here, a salty nibble there; glimpses of a tangy lightness only cheese can offer. That's usually what you get with charcuterie boards. As hard as it is to admit, there comes a time when even those flavors grow overly familiar once the ingredient combinations blur into one another. When you're hosting your own holiday party or get-together, consider introducing a completely new element, something intriguing and different enough to carve a pathway through that repetitive monotony.

Just like other unique ways to use balsamic vinegar, a little goes a long way in this case. Use just enough vinegar to make an impact without drowning out the taste of the yogurt entirely. For about 1 cup of yogurt, a couple of tablespoons should do the trick. Drizzle it over the bowl like you would with honey, and enjoy.