Raspberry Mint Vinegar

ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups packed fresh mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish, rinsed and spun dry
• 3 cups raspberries, picked over
• 2 cups rice vinegar (available at Asian markets and some supermarkets)

directions

Put the mint leaves in a very clean 1 quart glass jar and bruise them with a wooden spoon. Add the raspberries and mash them with the spoon. Add the vinegar and let the mixture steep, covered with the lid, in a cool dark place for at least 4 days and up to 2 weeks, depending on the strength desired. Strain the vinegar through a fine sieve into a glass pitcher, discarding the solids, and pour it into 2 very clean 1 cup glass jars. Add the mint sprigs and seal the jars with the lids.