Tarragon Chive Vinegar

Ingredients

• 2 quarts water
• 1 teaspoon household bleach
• 24 sprigs fresh tarragon*
• 24 fresh chive shoots
• 6 cups white wine vinegar

Directions

*Cook's Note: You will need half of the herbs when you start the recipe and half in 2 weeks. It is best to purchase the second half of the herbs when they are needed.

If using pint jars for storage, you will need 3 jars. If using small wine bottles, each holds approximately 13 ounces; therefore, you will need 4 bottles.

Put the water and bleach in a large container. Dunk 12 sprigs of tarragon and 12 chive shoots in the solution, and then rinse in cold water. Pat dry.

Heat the vinegar in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and heat until vinegar reaches 190 degrees F. Place the herbs in a container large enough to hold the vinegar. Pour the vinegar over the herbs, and after the vinegar has cooled, place the lid on the container. Set in a cool dark place for 2 weeks.

After 2 weeks, sanitize the second half of the herbs as previously, rinse, pat dry, and set aside.

Sterilize the containers and lids that you will store the vinegar in by immersing them in a large pot of boiling water and boiling for 10 minutes. If using corks, purchase pre-sterilized corks, and then dip them in and out of boiling water 3 to 4 times.

Discard the old herbs. Strain the vinegar through a sanitized colander or funnel lined with cheesecloth. Divide the fresh herbs among the containers and pour the vinegar over them. Seal and refrigerate. The vinegar may be stored at room temperature for 5 to 6 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.