Vinegar: Uses from Our Kitchen to Yours

This miracle liquid might be our second-favorite kitchen ingredient "must," second only to extra virgin olive oil. Vinegar literally means sour wine because when wine or another alcoholic liquid is allowed to ferment a second time it turns acetic.

Vinegar has been a kitchen staple for many generations. Not only is it a condiment and preservative, but it is a trusted healthy remedy, a neutralizer and cleaner.  Study after study has proven that a 5% solution of distilled white vinegar (think the Heinz brand most commonly found at your local grocery store) kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold and 80% of germs. Its acetic quality makes it possible to kill all of these icky contaminants while also being safe enough for our own bodies and the environment - we approve!

Our Favorite Versatile Vinegar Uses for the Kitchen:
Below are our 12 favorite ways to use vinegar in your home kitchen that you might not know about. We hope you are able to put these tips to good use!

1. Splash a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar on fresh fruits (pears, cantaloupe and honeydew) to add a zesty new taste.
2. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water when boiling or steaming vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans or beets. It will help keep their color, improve the taste and reduce gassy elements.
3. Olives and roasted peppers covered with vinegar can be kept almost indefinitely if refrigerated.
4. A basic vinaigrette salad dressing: Whisk together 1 tablespoon vinegar and 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Drizzle over salads, fruit or use as a marinade for chicken.
5. Add a spoonful of vinegar to chocolate cake for extra moistness and taste.
6. When making soup stock, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the water - it will help pull every bit of calcium from the bones into the stock. You sure can't buy that in store-bought chicken stock.
7. Oops! Did you add too much salt to a recipe? Just add a spoonful of vinegar to correct the taste.
8. Remove kitchen odors like burnt pots by boiling a small amount of water with 1/4 cup vinegar and so the steam circulates the room. You can also dampen a cloth with vinegar and wave it through the room.
9. Clean the shelves and walls of your refrigerator with a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. Better yet, put the solution in a spray bottle for even distribution.
10. Clean and deodorize your kitchen sink drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup hot vinegar. Let this sit for five minutes then run hot water down the drain.
11. Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the dishwasher rinse cycle to get dishes and glassware sparkling.
12. Remove odors from your toddler's lunchbox by placing a vinegar-soaked slice of fresh bread and leaving it overnight. Wipe clean in the morning and voila - good as new!

Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Perfect for fruit salads, mixed greens or chicken marinades

1. Bruise 1 cup fresh raspberries lightly and place them in a sterilized pint jar.
2. Heat white or wine vinegar in a small to medium saucepan to just below the boiling point - small bubbles will start to form on the sides and bottom of the pan.
3. Fill the jar with vinegar and cap tightly.
4. Allow this to stand for 2 - 3 weeks.
5. Uncap, strain the vinegar and discard the fruit.
6. Pour the vinegar into a clean jar and seal tightly. The vinaigrette will keep for 6 months when refrigerated.

Bon appetit to you and your bébés!