Sunday, June 08, 2008

Quick Summertime Dessert

On this last tour through Tuscany, I was able to introduce many new foods to this incredible group of travelers. For a few, this was their first time to this part of the world and their excitement level was off the peg! How refreshing to be around such a positive and upbeat group! 
Having one more stop to make before calling it a day, we stopped for a special treat - a drizzle of balsamic vinegar on a scoop of rich and creamy vanilla ice cream. What a treat this was! The combination sounded a bit strange to some, but after their first spoonful, opinions changed! The key here is to pour the most expensive vinegar you can afford on the ice cream. This vinegar is not the one used for salads and such. I have to admit, I do not own a bottle of this....one  I could use for a dessert. I wish!

20 comments:

K and S said...

ooh, that does sound good. There was a version of fig/balsamic ice cream by Dean & Deluca here, but I didn't get to try it :(

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Wow - I've got some wonderful balsamic vinegar in the pantry. i have to try this!

wheresmymind said...

it is pretty incredible how much one can pay for that vinegar!

Simona Carini said...

Great photo! I must admit I have never had the dessert you describe. I grew up with home-made vinegar, very different from the balsamic one. It sounds like your trip was a success: I am very glad. When is your next one?

Jann said...

K&S~Anything with figs has got to be delicious!

Jann said...

t.w.~Can you belive the price of some of the bottles of vinegar? Another liquid gold item! There is a place in Montecatini Termi that chops/slices fresh strawberries and serves this with the vinegar and a tad of brown sugar-that is delicious!

Jann said...

Simona~This is something you will have to try on your next visit or make it at home.( I need to save up for that dessert!) It is so tasty~ good to hear from you! When will you be returning?

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

That is on my must try list for our next to Italy!
Great photo of a pour!!

Katie Zeller said...

Your trip looked fantastic! I'm with you on the gelato - and I can never decide what to have.
Did you smuggle a bottle back with you? Just a little, tiny one, maybe????

Mimi from French Kitchen in America said...

I will try this one, Jann, I promise!

Anonymous said...

Indeed, that combination sounds rather strange. Would love the opportunity to try it.

Cynthia said...

Oh this is definitely one of those things I must experience in this lifetime.

Jann said...

mimi~I think you would enjoy this!

Jann said...

cooking ninja~just something you have to try once!

Jann said...

Cynthia~good to her from you> I still have something to mail to you....hope you can try this easy dessert!

Christine said...

Oh my! I just happen to have a bottle of really expensive balsamic. What a great idea - I'm going to make ice cream this weekend just to put drops of balsamic on it. Thanks Jann!

L Vanel said...

It looks and sounds delicious!

Anonymous said...

This is heaven!

Eileen (passions to pastry)
www.livingtastefully.com

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, Jann... this does sound interesting! I can just imagine how delicious this is!

Anonymous said...

I think I will see what I can find in these special vinegars. Or maybe we can't get them here in the states?? Let me know. Cari