Balsamic condiment. I hadn’t realized just how much I was missing out on with more diluted balsamic vinegars. It’s a completely different experience, which is great because balsamic vinegar still has its place in my heart for things like salad dressings. I couldn’t even comprehend the balsamic + vanilla ice cream people until I’d splurged (slightly) on a mid grade balsamic condiment.
If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, I think something hearty like a braise would go nicely with the weather. I recently braided some short ribs in stout and some homemade beef stock and it turned out wonderfully. I had it with some simple roasted veg with balsamic condiment drizzled over and mashed potatoes, so that the reduced braising liquid could do double duty as a sort of gravy. If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere though, I think a fancy salad would be a good way to beat the heat.