This summer I started a project that will be completed this weekend. My family will be giving out bottles of tarragon vinegar as neighbor gifts, a small reminder of this beautiful Christmas season and how much we appreciate their friendship.
The vinegar wasn’t difficult to make, I quite enjoyed the process of harvesting the fragrant herb from a generous neighbor with a terrific green thumb. After stewing the vinegar with fresh herbs of tarragon, chives and a bit of oregano the liquid steppes for two to three weeks in a cool dark place. Put it into bottles, add a fresh sprig of tarragon, seal jars with wax and add a label. The result is simply delightful.
One of my favorite ways to use tarragon vinegar is in a chicken salad with a tart apple and grapes. The recipe comes from The Foster Market Cookbook that was pointed out to me by a dear friend. It has just the right mix of flavors and is worth the effort it takes to make the tarragon mayonnaise. I’ve eaten a similar salad at a local eatery, Pinon for years- maybe you have a favorite cafe' that has a similar salad?
Wishing each of you a memorable, meaningful holiday that’s filled with delicious things to eat and time to enjoy them with your loved ones.
Yum! One of my most memorable meals was a yummy chicken tarragon salad served on sesame chips at a deli in DC. I'll definitely be trying out your recipe!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to give mine out! I especially love the dressing on top of broccoli!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet idea! My favorite vinegar is tarragon vinegar.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed your recent absence and hope all is well. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you too :)
What a beautiful, thoughtful Christmas gift. The chicken salad looks so fresh and delicious - perfect any time of year.
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you Cristie! What a fabulous and unique culinary gift. Your neighbors will be thrilled to receive it, no doubt! Your chicken salad recipe sounds so good, and I'd just love to SLATHER this mayonnaise on a sandwich:) Mmmmmm! MERRY CHRISTMAS! :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are back daaaahling. You have been missed. The tarragon vinegar looks lovely, it will be an amazing little gift. You packaged it so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays.
*kisses* HH
Being currently on diet I appreciate any good recipe for salad. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletemmm mmm!! TANGY!!
ReplyDeleteHi Cristie---we have all missed you, and are happy to have you return with these fine recipes, just in time for the holidays! Tarragon is an under-used herb, and it imparts the most lovely almost-licorice essence to sauces. Good for you, infusing the vinegar!
ReplyDeletewishing you love and joy this season
Cristie! I've missed you! Every week I check for an update so I was so excited to see this recipe! I can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteI love you!
hello there stranger! nice to see you :) this is beautiful. i pray your Christmas is wonderful! xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for a Christmas gift! I'm glad to see you are back at blogging. :-) Have a very merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of that tarragon mayonnaise. It could really make any sandwich irresistible.
ReplyDeleteI love flavored oils, and this one looks fantastic!
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