Red Rosemary Vinegar

• 1 handful rosemary sprigs

• 2 thoroughly clean 16-ounce jars with plastic lids

• 1 quart red wine vinegar

Wash and dry rosemary. Crush lightly to release fragrance, then divide into the 2 jars. 

Pour vinegar into a nonreactive pan (almost anything but aluminum) and bring just to the boiling point (about 8 to 10 minutes at medium-high heat). Pour vinegar into jars and put caps on jars. Let sit for 2 weeks.

To prepare as a gift, strain vinegar into pretty bottles. Add a fresh sprig of rosemary to the new bottle. Seal and present. 

Note: Vinegar's acidity makes it safer than most home-canning projects. But if your flavored vinegar starts to mold or show signs of fermenting (bubbling, severe cloudiness, or sliminess), throw it out!