balsamic answer

Kelly, it's hard to tell you what to substitute for the balsamic without knowing what she's making. I've found that balsamic keeps and I do use it quite a bit. I think the best answer for her, however, is just to buy plain red wine vinegar and that should serve the purpose and would be closest in flavor, I use this all the time as well in all kinds of recipes. It's much less expensive and comes in larger bottles too.