Ice Cream with Balsamic Vinegar

Vanilla Ice Cream with Balsamic Vinegar

Vinegar on ice cream? Really? Absolutely if it’s the thick black gold of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena. Good vanilla ice cream with balsamic vinegar is a life-changing dessert. This sweet/sour elixir made from grape must is aged in a series of barrels of various woods (including cherry, chestnut and juniper). The extravecchio is aged for at least 25 years and that’s the one to drip onto good vanilla ice cream for a dessert you’ll never forget. I buy my traditional balsamic from Acetaia di Giorgio, the only producer left within the city of Modena, the rest being in the surrounding countryside. Whenever I’m in Modena, I visit to taste the vinegar from the precious barrels stored in the attic of the family’s historic home and I love taking my food & wine tour guests back there to experience it too. You can order online if you’re not visiting Modena anytime soon (which you should – see details of my tour here).

Serves 4

Ingredients
  • 500ml vanilla bean ice cream
  • Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, for dripping
Method
  1. Place 4 champagne coupes, or similar shaped glasses, in the freezer to chill well.
  2. Scoop 8 balls of ice cream and place in a dish in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  3. When ready to serve, remove both from the freezer and place ice cream in glasses.
  4. Serve, then drip the balsamic vinegar onto the ice cream at the table.

Like this recipe? You’ll love my Food & Wine Tour to Emilia-Romagna!

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FAQ

Which region is famous for producing balsamic vinegar? Where is traditional balsamic vinegar made?

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar is made in two neighbouring areas, Modena and Reggio Emilia, both in Emilia-Romagna.

How do i know the balsamic vinegar i buy is authentic traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena?

Look for the distinctive squat bottles with a bulbous top and tapering base - these are only used for Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena and all certified traditional vinegar must use these bottles. It will be labelled Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale and have the D.O.P. (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) stamp of the a European Union on it.

How long is traditional balsamic vinegar aged for?

All Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena must be aged for at least 12 years.

How do I know how old traditional balsamic vinegar is?

A white cap indicated the 12 year old and a gold cap the 25 year old.

What woods are used to age traditional balsamic vinegar?

The casks used to age traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena are various sizes made from many different woods including chestnut, cherry, oak, mulberry, ash and juniper. As the vinegar ages it is transferred into different barrels so the different woods can add their unique influence to it.

How do I use Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena?

The easiest – and most delicious – way to use traditional balsamic vinegar is in a simple dessert of vanilla ice cream with balsamic vinegar. It's great drizzled over strawberries too.

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