When I think of balsamic vinegar I remember that scene in The Sopranos, Sunday dinner with Carmela's parents, Mary and Hugh. Mary compliments the food and Carmela says something about balsamic vinegar, and Hugh starts on a rant about all these years we never heard of balsamic vinegar, and now that's all we hear about. I agree, and add black beans to that list.

I am at the end of a bottle of balsamic vinegar and looking forward to opening the next one to find out how much they differ. When I read through this first recipe, I was surprised that balsamic vinegar comes in red or white because I didn't know there was a choice. This recipe is from the Enova Oil company, so maybe they aren't experts on vinegar.

Chicken Balsamic
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (red or white)
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons sugar
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, thyme, basil)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (1 pound total)
1 tablespoon oil

Whisk together the vinegar, chicken broth, sugar, garlic, and seasoning. Add the chicken and turn until coated well. Marinate, turning once, for 20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the marinade and set the marinade aside. Cook the chicken in the oil until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Add the marinade to the skillet and simmer gently, turning the chicken until just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes more.

Restaurant Style Spinach Salad

8 oz. Fresh Spinach
1/2 c. Feta Cheese, crumbled
1/4 c. Onion, diced
1/2 c. Dried Cranberries
1/4 c. Pecans, chopped
1/2 c. Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tbsp. Orange Juice

Rinse spinach and tear into small pieces. Combine balsamic vinegar and orange juice to make dressing and chill. Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl. Add dressing. Toss well and serve.

Classic Vinaigrette with Olives

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced pitted black olives

Blend all together. Use with lettuce salads, crusty breads, croutons, or fried ravioli.