I have mentioned before that I am in love with the winery/vineyard Hanover Park. Not only do they have a great selection of French inspired wines, but they also have the only port that I know of from NC and the only dessert wine that I have ever enjoyed. They also have Signolia’s.

Signolia’s is a balsamic vinaigrette made locally in Waxhaw, NC, and it is the best damn thing ever to happen to my kitchen. I have made my own balsamic vinaigrettes many a time, but they don’t taste the same. I’ve even used all the ingredients listed on the side of the bottle in an attempt to replicate the flavor, but it still doesn’t come out right. My vinaigrettes always have a brighter flavor while Signolia’s has an indescribable smoky yumminess to it that cannot be recreated.

My picture shows the bottle next to a Brocolli Salad I made last night but it can be used as far more than a dressing. My most recent attempt was using it as a marinade for ostrich filets and boy was it good. It tenderized the meat and imparted a lot of the smoky flavor to it so that it almost tasted like we grilled it rather than seared it. Yum.

Next up: Ode to strawberries evening.