Herbed Vinegar

This herb, sweet pepper and garlic flavored vinegar makes a great gift when presented in decorative bottles with a custom-crafted cork.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 bunch fresh flat leaf parsley
10 to 12 fresh jalapeño peppers, cut in half lengthwise
10 to 12 cloves garlic, cut in half lengthwise
1 large sweet red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 large green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 lemon, sliced
2 (17-ounce) bottles white wine vinegar
Additional parsley sprigs, jalapeño peppers, garlic cloves, pepper strips, lemon slices (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Place first 6 ingredients in a large glass container.
2. Bring vinegar to boil and pour over herb and pepper mixture. Cover and store at room temperature for 2 weeks.
3. To Bottle: Pour vinegar mixture through a large wire-mesh strainer into bottles, discarding solids. If desired, add additional parsley sprigs, jalapeño peppers, garlic cloves, pepper strips and lemon slices for decorative appearance.

Makes 5 cups.

Adapted from a recipe from Southern Living.