This homemade herb, sweet pepper and garlic flavored vinegar makes a great gift when presented in decorative bottles with custom-crafted corks.

Herbed Vinegar

1 bunch fresh flat leaf parsley

10 to 12 fresh jalapeno peppers, cut in half lengthwise

10 to 12 cloves garlic, cut in half lengthwise

1 large sweet red bell pepper, cut into strips

1 large green bell pepper, cut into strips

1 lemon, sliced

2 (17-ounce) bottles white wine vinegar

Additional parsley sprigs, jalapeno peppers, garlic cloves, pepper strips, lemon slices (optional)

1. Place first 6 ingredients in a large glass container.
2. Bring vinegar to boil and pour over herb and pepper mixture. Cover and store at room temperature for 2 weeks.
3. To Bottle: Pour vinegar mixture through a large wire-mesh strainer into bottles, discarding solids. If desired, add additional parsley sprigs, jalapeno peppers, garlic cloves, pepper strips and lemon slices for decorative appearance.

Makes 5 cups.

Adapted from a recipe from Southern Living.