Uses for cider vinegar

[sdcook]

I have a gallon jug of cider vinegar to use up. I sent DH to the store to get a small bottle to use in salad dressing (We had the Heaven on a Plate salad for Thanksgiving-YUM) and he came home with a huge jug. I don't have room for it in any of my cabinets. So, I'm looking for some kind of recipes or uses for large amounts so I can use it up and get it off my countertop. Thanks!

[Kingwell]

You could pickle something...beets, cucumbers, whatever.

It's also good for cleaning hardwood floors, so that'll use it up faster, but I don't recommend eating it in that case. ;)

[Meganator]

I don't use large quantities in anything I can think of. As much as a cup or two in barbecue sauce. But maybe you can repackage it in smaller bottles so that it will fit in your cupboards while you slowly use it up.

[sdcook]

I never thought of canning something in it. I have a ton of empty jars too. I shall have to hunt down some yummy sounding recipes. Thanks!

[Linda in MO]

Could you clean your coffee maker out with it?

[wintersummer]

We made the Apple Cider Brined and Glazed Turkey for Thanksgiving and it was great, beyond description! Here's a link to recipe and reviews:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/233148

Some people on this board have also commented on how good the Cider Brined Turkey was for Thanksgiving.

Do you have a place that you can stash that jug until next year? Better yet, make this turkey for the upcoming holidays!

[LivingLowfat]

Here are some cider vinegar recipes from my collection:

http://livinglowfat.com/recipebox/index.php?s=cider

[dorothyntototoo]

Just one idea from the world's longest list of uses for vinegar. And you thought you'd NEVER find a use for that leftover goat milk!
http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/tips/a/blvincooking.htm

Take 3 gallons of fresh goat milk, heat for about 45 minutes, stirring constantly. When the milk is hot and foam is on the top, cook for another 15 minutes, add 1/4 cup vinegar and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring slowly. After 15 minutes, strain, using a very clean towel. When most of the whey is drained, add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and stir into the cheese. Grab all the edges and middle of the towel, wrap a rubber band around the top and then hang from a kitchen cabinet. Leave bowl under it as the remaining whey drains out, about an hour or so. Cheese will be cooled and hard. Remove cloth and place in zip lock bag, and refrigerate.
It is now ready to eat on sandwiches, with pasta, use on pizzas, fried cheese, etc.. anytime you use store bought cheese, you can use this homemade cheese.

[heavy hedonist]

All good suggestions above.

Make a good batch or two of your favorite salad dressings-- they keep well in the fridge.

Throw a quarter cup or a bit more into the bottom of your dishwasher before you start it up; you won't need rinse aid.

Let it soak in the bowl of your commode for an hour to several hours to remove mineral deposits. Scrub with clean brush and flush.

[NMG]

I recently found this recipe - I think from taste of homes - and tried it 2 weekends ago with meatloaf and everyone loved it! It is a really good recipe and I know it's only 3 TBSP of the vinegar, but thought you might want to try it out!



Beans and Carmelized Onions

4 bacon strips – cut up into chunks
2 large onions, sliced
2 lbs fresh green beans, ends snapped off
3 tbsp cider vinegar
4 ½ tsp brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper

Cook bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towel – save drippings. In dripping, cook onion over medium-low heat until tender and browned. Meanwhile, cook beans. Drain beans. Stir vinegar and brown sugar into onions and add beans. Cook 1 minute over medium heat. Add bacon and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

[ADM]

Transfer your vinegar to smaller and more manageable sized bottles. It won't go bad, even if you keep it a long time. Then use it as you need it.

Here are some, non-food related, uses of vinegar:

#1 - "Use vinegar in the dishwasher, instead of agents like Jet-Dry for sparkling, spotless dishes and glasses. Just pour some in the bottom of the washer during the rinse cycle. Or, put in the dispenser to be automatically dispensed."

#2 - For a Disposal that is draining slowly - or not at all:

"If there is standing water in your sink. Try using a plunger over the drain opening. (This may take several tries).

If the disposal drains slowly: Pour 1 cup salt, one cup baking soda and one cup of vinegar, separately, down the drain. Follow with a kettle of boiling water. (It might need to be done 1-3 times, to clear the line effectively.")
It usually works the first time.

#3 - Women used to use vinegar, as a rinse/conditioner, when shampooing their hair. I have just recently started doing that again, because it makes your hair so soft and managable.

[hAndyman]

This delicious recipe isn't low fat but has terrific colour on a plate and adds great flavour to a meal, and freezes well.

The recipe is from "The New Basics Cookbook" by Rosso & Lukins.

Beet and Coriander Purée

3-3/4 to 4 lb beets
1 cup unsalted butter
1-1/2 cups diced onions
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 Tbs sugar
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt

Trim the beets, leaving 1 inch of stem. Rinse, but do not peel.
Place beets in large saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the beets are very tender (~50-60 min.).
Drain beets, rinse under cold water, and remove skins. Cut into 1" pieces. Set aside.
Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat. Add onions, cover and cook 20 minutes. Then add the beets, vinegar, sugar, coriander and salt. Stir well, and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
Transfer the beet mixture, in batches, to a food processor and process until perfectly smooth.
Return purée to a saucepan and stir well over low heat until heated through. (Or transfer to an ovenproof dish, cover with foil and heat at 350° until steaming hot, ~25 minutes.)
Yields 8 to 16 servings. Freezes well.

Andy's notes: I don't purée it too too much, leaving a bit of smaller pieces for textural interest - reminds me less of baby food!

[Clover]

#3 - Women used to use vinegar, as a rinse/conditioner, when shampooing their hair. I have just recently started doing that again, because it makes your hair so soft and managable.
I just started doing this again too. It gets all the shampoo out and makes your hair shiny.

[oceanjasper]

If you like pickled beets, this is a yummy recipe...

SWEDISH PICKLED BEETS

A Scandinavian table is seldom without them.

1/2 cup cider or white vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 cups (approximately) thinly sliced, cooked and peeled beets

Combine first five ingredients. Bring to a boil; cool. Place beets in a deep bowl and pour dressing over them. Let stand at least 12 hours before serving. Serve with fried fish, hot and cold meats or on a smörgasbord.

Makes about 2 cups.

House & Garden
February 1964
Nika Standen Hazelton
Epicurious.com © CondéNet, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Anne]

Vinegar and water work well for cleaning windows too. Pickling something is the fastest way I can think of to use large quantities of vinegar.

[gabbyh]

I chuckled when I saw this thread...gargling with apple cider vinegar will take away the worst sore throat! Just ask my Mom...it's her favorite old-fashioned remedy :D

I keep it on hand for this very purpose!

~Gail

[Franzia]

Well, if you look here, you'll be buying MORE vinegar! I love the brined turkey, too...makes all the difference.

http://www.angelfire.com/cantina/homemaking/vinegar.html

Franzia

[Aubergine]

drink it! don't laugh... i saw this on Martha recently, and there's strong evidence that cider vinegar (a small daily amount, like a shot glass) has terrific health benefits.