Advent Calendar - Red Wine Infused Salt - Dec 22

I make flavored salt for special events and and gift baskets.  I like to make it, including exotic herbs like lavender and curry. This is a great last-minute gift, you just need any red wine and some coarse salt and you can create something that is unique and filled with flavor.  I like to give in 4-ounce mason jars as the size is perfect to set on the counter next to the stove and sparkle on completed dishes just before serving.

Red wine infused sea salt

• 3 cups red wine
• 1 ½ cups sea salt (coarse rock salt)

In a saucepan over medium to high heat, bring the wine to a boil.  Reduce the temperature and simmer until the liquid reduces to 1-2 tablespoons and is thicker and a little syrup like.

For every tablespoon of reduced wine, add 1 to 1 ½ cups sea salt.  Add 1 cup first and stir and if the liquid hasn’t absorbed as well as you would like add more salt.  Stir until completely covered.  Lay out on a tray overnight to dry.  Store in airtight jars.  Give as gifts.

Include these instructions with your gift:

1. Sprinkle this wine-infused salt as a seasoning anytime you'd use salt
2. Use as a finishing salt on any dish – including raw sliced tomatoes.
3. Sprinkle a tiny amount on chocolate baked goods.
4. Add home-made salad dressing.
5. Rub on meat or fish before searing.
6. Add to spice blends to give acidity and flavor.
7. Add to entrée-style salads.