Infused oils and vinegars

[Anita]

My mother & I want to make infused oils and vinegars for Christmas presants. ( now is the time with all the fresh herbs and fruits) We have not had much success with preserving the oils.

Any ideas?

[Zinnia]

Hi Anita,
Here is one oil, & one vinegar recipe that may be of help to you. I hope this is kind of what you were looking for. Good luck. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Zinnia

*Chili Oil

2 & 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3 fresh whole chilies
1 cinnamon stick
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
Fresh, whole pieces of flavorings--herbs or whole spices, as desired.

1. Heat the oil in a lg. heavy-based pan. Add
the chilies, cinnamon stick & peppercorns. Remove from heat then cover & leave to stand 2-3 days.
2. Strain the oil into a sterilized. Add fresh, whole flavorings to bottle.
3. Seal & label. Store in a cool, dark place.
* Note: Fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil, sage or lemon grass may be substituted for the chilies.

*Garlic Vinegar

16 cloves garlic
Salt, to taste
4 cups white wine vinegar

1. Peel garlic & crush lightly w/ a little salt. Place in a large, sterilized, glass
container; add vinegar.
2. Seal container & shake well. Store in a cool, dark place 2-3 weeks, shaking the container from time to time.
3. Pour vinegar through a cheesecloth-lined funnel into sterilized bottles. Can be used at once.
* Note: Store vinegar for up to 8 months.

[Deanna]

Here's a cool website that has just what you are looking for...it's "Gifts from the Kitchen" at http://busycooks.about.com/food/busycooks/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://busycooks.About.com/library/weekly/aa110899.htm

Have a look, I think you'll find some great ideas for infused oils and vinegars, as well as some others...

[jillr]

Here's another website to check out: www.melborponsti.com/speirs/vinegar/index.htm (http://www.melborponsti.com/speirs/vinegar/index.htm)