91. Ode to Balsamic

Balsamic vinegar could be considered by some to be one of the elixirs of the gods.  But, as much as I use it, especially white balsamic, I would never have thought of dousing potatoes with half a bottle.  I've been repairing an old quilt that my grandmother made for us and watching the new Cooking Channel.  What a lovely way to pass an afternoon!  A British phenom Jamie Oliver was making Balsamic Onions and Potatoes with Pork Roast.  I only made the potatoes but I'm sure the pork roast was excellent, as well.

http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/jamie-oliver/index.html

                                Photo:Jamie's Balsamic Potato and Onion Bake

I left out the rosemary (not really a favorite herb of ours) and cut the butter to 1 T. but otherwise followed the recipe.  My, oh my!  It was fabulous!  I went to the market and got some kale to add to the mix next time. When I bake random vegetables again I'll try the balsamic on that, too.  Now that on W.W. most vegetables are O points the veggie bake really tastes good.  

Sharon's Random Veggie Bake                        

The plan is to empty the veggie bin.  A random stalk
of celery, a couple of carrots, a couple zucchini, some cauliflower and broccoli, bell pepper, part of a butternut squash, a yam, a potato, an eggplant (you get the idea) and if you are thinking about this in the store you might add a turnip or rutabaga.  Always, always onion, garlic, salt and pepper.  (Simply un-American otherwise) If you are shy on veggies, then open and drain a can of green beans and add. Clean, chop and roll around in a plastic bag with olive oil and the seasoning of your choice.  Go crazy and try different spice combination's.  How do you know unless you try? Place on a  large baking pan or large skillet with heat proof handle (cast iron is fabulous) and bake, uncovered or else they just steam, in a 400 degree oven until nicely caramelized.

Now, try it the next time with a cup of balsamic vinegar, too!  With W.W. only the potatoes are counted as points, the sweet potato less than the white.  The only way this would be easier is if the veggies cleaned themselves.  I suppose there is a bag of frozen vegetables similar to this is the store, but then who would clean out the fridge?  It is always a conundrum.