Cookaholics Bulletin Board

I let my CI online membership lapse several months ago, and with the exception of an arduous search through my recipes for their brined shrimp instructions, have done just fine without it. But one of the things I do miss is the ingredient tests. Case in point, I used the last of my balsamic vinegar last night. That brand (Fini) was pretty good as far as I could tell, and not terribly expensive ($12.95 for 250 ml). But if CI has a strong recommendation for a supermarket brand, I'd like to give that a try and spend even less.

So if anyone has access to that article, I'd sure appreciate the brand(s) list. Thanks!

Emilie

Check your PM

We liked the Lucini Gran Reserva CI recommended but it is 6 times more expensive than TJ's. I think I found it at Cost Plus World Market and Amazon also carries. However, for most uses, we use Trader Joe's Gold Quality Balsamic Vinegar of Modena $3.99 for 8.5 oz. I have not done a side by side taste test to see if there is really a difference worth the cost.

Thanks so much for the list, Wino, and for the recommendation, Alina. I'll be swinging by TJ's this weekend so will check it out!

Emilie

I also really like Costco's Kirkland balsamic for an everyday vinegar. I have a more spendy bottle of better stuff that I keep for drizzling on camembert or over roasted veggies. But for salads and marinades the Kirkland is quite nice imo.

I like the Roland brand it is at GFS for about $7 bucks. Great everyday balsamic.

Laurie

We keep the TJ's large bottle balsamic around for cooking with; I don't want to use a real balsamic and boil it. I also have some real stuff (in a very small bottle) for drizzling on things, as well as some grape must from Milan.

If it's the article I remember, I'll say that I didn't agree with CI's ratings at all, but isn't that usually the case?