Making Balsamic Syrup for a delicious dinner!

Balsamic Syrup (or Glaze) is very expensive here - around $7 for 200 ml. I had a lovely dinner in mind for my hubby and I on Friday night and I really wanted that Balsamic syrup, so I decided to make my own. Apparently it is quite simple, and as I am loving being in the kitchen these days I decided to give it a go.

It cost me $3.30 for 500 mls Italian Balsamic Vinegar...

All you have to do is pour it into a saucepan, bring it to the boil, then simmer on a very low heat until it has reduced by half. This took just 15 minutes...

...and when it was cooled I poured it back into the bottle, and relabelled it...

I had 250 mls Balsamic Syrup for just $3.30 and 15 minutes of my time. :-)

Now to the recipe!

Cut a pumpkin into 1 inch cubes, and toss the cubes in olive oil and a little Celtic sea salt...

Bake in a hot oven for 10 minutes, toss in the baking pan and bake a further 10 minutes. 

Meanwhile prepare the rest of the ingredients. Sun dried tomatoes, fresh greens, pine nuts, and haloumi cheese...

Dry roast the pine nuts in a hot pan for a minute or two, then slice the haloumi and dry fry it in the same pan until each side is golden (about 30 seconds each side)...

Layer the plates with the salad greens (I used rocket and spinach), then scatter the baked pumpkin cubes on top, followed by the sun dried tomatoes, haloumi and pine nuts. (I also added some shredded chicken for my husband). 

Drizzle with some Balsamic Syrup...

and serve with some freshly baked crusty bread!

Dessert was made to keep the sweet tooth fanatics happy. After all, change needs to be made gently when dealing with non-responsive family members. 

A lovely slice made from organic rolled oats, with a fruit-only jam sandwiched in the middle of the two oaty layers, and a spread of chocolate across the top...

The slice is called 'Matrimony'. Can you see why?

Healthy Hugs

Jenny

xx