Asian Five Spice Vinegar

Try this vinegar in thai and chinese stir fry dishes or noodle dishes that call for plain rice vinegar or as a marinade for cucumbers.

Combine first 5 ingredients in a non-aluminum saucepan.

Simmer over low heat 10 minutes.

Remove from heat , and cool.

Pour into a wide-mouth jar.

Cover and let stand for 2 weeks in a cool , dark place , gently shaking jar occasionally.

Strain the vinegar mixture through a cheesecloth lined sieve into a glass measure or medium bowl.

Discard solids.

Cut 1 strip from rind of lemon.

Cut into very thin slices to equal 1 teaspoon.

Pour vinegar into a decorative bottle.

Add pink peppercorns , lemon rind strips , and cilantro.

Seal with a cork or other airtight lid.

Store in a cool , dark place.

rice vinegar, coriander seed, whole cloves, star anise, fresh ginger, lemon, pink peppercorns, fresh cilantro stems