Strawberry Kiwi Balsamic Shrub

This vibrant shrub combines the sweet and tart flavors of strawberries and kiwi with the rich complexity of balsamic vinegar. It's perfect for refreshing beverages, and can also be used as a unique salad dressing or drizzle over desserts, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. This recipe is simple, yet offers a creative twist, respecting traditional shrub-making methods while introducing exciting flavor pairings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh kiwi, peeled and diced
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely to create a simple syrup.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and diced kiwi. Pour the cooled simple syrup over the fruit and gently stir.
4. Add the balsamic vinegar to the fruit mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6. After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bottle or jar, discarding the solids.
7. Refrigerate the shrub and use it within 2-3 weeks. Serve mixed with sparkling water, or as a dressing for salads or desserts.