11 Ways to Love Ponti

Giovanni Ponti, known as "Giovanni dell'Aceto" or "Johnny Vinegar," started the company in 1867. Today the family-run business makes balsamic vinegar as well as sauces, preserved vegetables and more.

Here are 11 ways to use Ponti, from morning to dessert.

1. For aperitivo

Aperitivo is the Italian answer to happy hour, and Ponti's high-quality preserved vegetables belong on the table. Serve the artichoke hearts alongside your latest cocktail craze.

2. To get sweet and sour

Ponti's apple cider vinegar is light and lightly sweet, which makes it a fit for agrodolce, the traditional Italian sweet-and-sour sauce. For a simple version, heat equal parts vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool, then spoon it over chicken, pork or salmon.

3. During the big game

Watching American football on Sunday is no reason not to snack like an Italian. Any of the condiments makes a good bite with crackers or bread, like Ponti's sweet and sour onions.

4. To taste summer in Italy

Ponti sources its produce at the height of ripeness from the rolling green hills of Piedmont. Taste it in juicy tomato sauces, wild mushrooms in olive oil and pickled cucumbers.

5. On everything

Top-quality balsamic vinegar brings out new flavors in almost anything. Drizzle it over berries, cheese and bruschetta, brush it on grilled meats, or toss it with roasted vegetables once they have cooled. Never heat balsamic vinegar.

6. With vinegar's best friend

The classic vinaigrette is equal parts Ponti vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Use it on a salad of seasonal vegetables, such as pinzimonio.

7. One olive at a time

Ponti's black olives are preserved in extra virgin olive oil flavored with herbs harvested from the countryside. They make a savory snack at any hour, an antipasto, or a pairing for light dishes such as baked fish.

8. For lunch

Take lunch al desko to northern Italy with pasta al pesto. Toss your favorite pasta with fresh basil pesto and serve it chilled.

9. And before dinner

Build an antipasti platter with Ponti's sun-dried tomatoes and mixed vegetables in olive oil, next to your favorite meats and cheeses.

10. And yes, with dinner

After a long day at work, dinner can take less than 30 minutes with Ponti's tomato and garlic sauce. Warm the ready-to-go sauce, stir in your pasta and eat.

11. Oh, and don't forget dessert

Drizzle thick, aged balsamic vinegar from Modena over creamy vanilla gelato. It is an elegant, simple dessert.

Taste Ponti at your local Eataly.