You don’t have to go a boutique store like the Olive Mill to get handmade infused vinegars and oils; making your own at home is easy, fun, and it makes a great gift (but it’s still OK to stop by the Olive Mill for a tasting).

Here’s a wonderful recipe for Raspberry Vinegar – you can find tips on how to turn it into a great gift at the end.

Makes about 1-½ cups

• measuring cups
• stainless steel saucepan
• medium glass bowl
• plastic wrap
• fine mesh sieve
• cheesecloth
• decorative bottles
• cork

• 1-½ C white vinegar
• ½ C sugar
• 1 C fresh or frozen (no sugar added) raspberries

• Combine sugar and vinegar in a stainless steel saucepan.
• Heat, stirring occasionally, until hot but not
  boiling. 
• Pour mixture into glass bowl; stir in
  raspberries. 
• Cover with plastic wrap and let stand in a cool place 6 to
  7 days.
• Pour through a fine mesh sieve then through cheesecloth.
• Transfer to decorative bottles.

Infused oils and vinegars look great in wax-sealed bottles. You may be able to find decorative glass bottles in the grocery store, but you also pick them up at a craft store (like Michaels or Hobby Lobby), Cost Plus World Market, or even a yard sale (make sure to wash them first!). You can find paraffin at any grocery store by the canning supplies.

Heat a small amount of paraffin or crafting wax in a double boiler. Seal the bottle with a cork. Dip the end of the bottle into the hot wax. After it cools, trim away excess wax with a small sharp knife. Add a set of gorgeous salad forks or a special salad bowl and include the following recipe on the gift tag.

Raspberry Vinaigrette
¼ C raspberry vinegar
1 tsp sea salt
¾ tsp black pepper
1-2 Tbsp honey
¾ C olive oil

Combine all ingredients except the oil in a blender or food processor. With the motor running, add the oil in a slow steady stream.

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