Arugula Pizza With Balsamic Glazed Onions and Blue Cheese

In this pizza recipe, we highlight one our unique products, balsamic vinegar powder, used to glaze the onions that will be added as a pizza topping along with fresh arugula and blue cheese.

But first, a little (quite long actually) lesson about balsamic vinegar...

Balsamic vinegar is traditionally made in two regions of Italy, Modena and Reggio Amilia. Traditional or Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale is created by pressing the grapes of Trebbiano and Lambrusco varietal. The juice is then reduced down by one third to create a thick syrup. The syrup is then poured into the first of seven small barrels. Over a period of twelve years the vinegar is moved from the largest to the smallest barrel. The barrels are typically constructed of oak, cherry, ash or chestnut. Each wood imparts a slight flavor and uniqueness to the finished product. Once the vinegar has aged for the minimum of twelve years, the vinegar is bottled and marked with the label Aceto Balsamico Tradizonale. Only true aged Balsamic vinegar from these regions can wear this badge. True balsamic vinegar is complex, fruity and acidic often imparting a slight sweetness from the aging process and the barrels. Use sparingly as this vinegar packs powerful and intense flavor into a very small concentrated amount. Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale is most commonly used as a finishing condiment for dishes such as beef and pork but can also be drizzled over strawberries for a truly decadent dessert.

The more commercially and widely available balsamic vinegar is the Aceto Balsamico di Modena. This widely available product is a less expensive and widely produced balsamic vinegar is commonly what we see on the shelf in stores. It is made using wine vinegar, caramel colorings, and thickeners to mimic the taste and flavor of the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Traditionally the vinegar is aged no more than 2 months and is often produced in mass quantities.
There is a third and final category of balsamic vinegar, commonly called condimento balsamico. Aged and produced in the same way that traditional balsamic vinegar is, but not within the two distinct regions. This category is not regulated by the Italian government and although many of the kinds of vinegar are of superior quality it cannot be called a traditional balsamic vinegar. Often these balsamic vinegars are mixed with Aceto Balsamico di Modena to keep costs lower.

And now for our shameless plug...

We sell a high-quality balsamic powder that can be easily stored in your pantry. The powder is made by drying a combination of vinegar and the juice from specific varietals of grapes. The end product is a sweet, acidic powder that can be useful in place of a liquid form of balsamic vinegar. For instance; use in place of liquid balsamic vinegar as a coating for sweet and savory snack mixes, in soups and when you are creating your own rubs and marinades. The powder can also be rehydrated with a small amount of water when a liquid is needed.

At last, the pizza recipe!