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

　　1 cup packed fresh sage leaves plus sprigs for garnish, rinsed and spun dry

　　1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds, bruised with a rolling pin

　　1 3/4 cups cider vinegar

　　1/4 cup water

　　Put the sage leaves in a very clean 1-quart glass jar and bruise them with a wooden spoon. Add the caraway seeds, the vinegar, and the water and let the mixture steep, covered with the lid, in a cool dark place for at least 4 days and up to 2 weeks, depending on the strength desired. Strain the vinegar through a fine sieve into a glass pitcher, discarding the solids, and pour it into 2 very clean 1/2-pint glass jars. Add the sage sprigs and seal the jars with the lids.