Flavored vinegars can be used to enliven dressings and marinades, finish pan sauces, or pickle vegetables--and they make wonderful gifts. Once the steeping is completed, these vinegars keep for several months. (Garnishes and other solids left in the jar, however, may discolor or break down.)

Ingredients

　　twenty 2-inch-long dried chilies

　　2 cups white-wine vinegar

　　In a very clean 1-quart glass jar combine the chilies and the vinegar and let the mixture steep, covered with the lid, in a cool dark place for at least 2 days and up to 2 weeks, depending on the strength desired. Strain the vinegar through a fine sieve into a glass pitcher, reserving 2 chilies for garnish and discarding the rest, and pour it into 2 very clean 1/2-pint glass jars. Add the reserved chiles and seal the jars with the lids.