How To Properly Prep Balsamic When Using It As A Pie Topping

Sinking your teeth into the first bite of a slice of homemade pie is a feeling unmatched by much else. Whether you're leaning on a tried and true recipe or getting experimental with new flavor combinations, there are plenty of unique garnishes to top your pie. One that stands out above the rest is the unexpected burst of flavor and considerable versatility of balsamic vinegar. Though vinegar is often associated with savory dishes rather than sweet, a rich balsamic reduction can turn the tangy, grape-based substance into the ultimate pie topping.

A thin splash of balsamic vinegar could threaten to ruin a perfectly good pie, but if you boil balsamic vinegar, it reduces down into a thick, syrupy sweet glaze that acts as the ideal complement to a number of different pies. Everything from berry pies to chocolate pies and several other recipes will benefit from the addition of an enhanced balsamic reduction. There are even other ingredients you can mix into your balsamic reduction for more sweet and rich tastes.

It's super simple to prepare a balsamic reduction for your favorite pie recipe. You only need balsamic vinegar, a saucepan on the stovetop, and the time and patience to bring it to a boil, turn down the heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes, and frequently stir the pot to monitor the consistency. For a sweetened twist to this basic recipe, make a honey balsamic glaze, which follows essentially the same steps with the addition of one tablespoon of honey to a cup of balsamic vinegar. You can also try this with brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.

When it comes to adding this reduction to a homemade pie, remember that less is more. Always taste your glaze first before spooning or drizzling it over your pie. This would be excellent when paired with a mincemeat pie that uses dried fruit or as a garnish for a honey blackberry sage pie recipe. Get creative with your combinations and use your balsamic reduction on top of a strawberry and basil pie or combined with the flavors of a brown sugar and peach pie. This easy and thoughtful addition takes an already delicious dessert and elevates it to star status.