Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar

I often add cocoa nibs to my green salads for crunch, but sometimes I want even more 'chocolate'. That's when I use my homemade Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar. Just an FYI: this is not very sweet.  There are several brands you can buy, but it's so easy to make your own.  Here's a simple recipe.

Tip: Use the very best balsamic vinegar you have. If you don't you'll need to reduce 'cheap' balsamic vinegar and mix it with sugar. Skip that step and use the best! As I always say, if you use quality ingredients, you'll have a better finished product. That goes for the cocoa here, too.

This Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar is great on salads, on strawberries, with brie or goat cheese, or over ice cream. You might want to adjust the sugar to your taste.

CHOCOLATE BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Ingredients:
1 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup good quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
1 tsp Madagascar vanilla extract

In saucepan, dissolve sugar and salt in water over low heat, stirring often. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and add cocoa, stirring until you have a syrup.
Add vanilla and set aside to cool.
Once syrup is cooled,  mix vinegar and chocolate syrup together.
Put in glass container with a tight top or seal.

Use as salad dressing or pour over strawberries, goat cheese, brie, or ice cream.