Sunday, November 29, 2009

Orange Liqueur and Vanilla and Tarragon Vinegar

I cannot find a written version of the orange liqueur recipe we made for Christmas gifts last year anywhere.
For those of you hoping to make some of your own, here's what I *think* we did - to the best of my recollection.

Orange Liqueur
peels of three organic oranges, cut into small strips
1quart brandy
1quart vodka
1 cup honey

Soak orange peels in alcohol for 4-6 weeks. Strain, and add honey to alcohol. Shake well and often. When honey is thoroughly dissolved in alcohol, pour into individual bottles.
The only part I feel unsure about is the amount of honey. This is totally up to your taste anyway, so go for it, and let me know if you have to adjust it a bit.
This is nice over ice cream or in raspberry sauce over ice cream and/or brownies. Some of you have assured me it is also a cure for the common cold!

Vanilla
10-12 vanilla beans
1.5L vodka (the cheap kind)

Open vodka and remove the plastic thing on top. Pour a little into another container, and drop vanilla beans into bottle. Cap and set aside for at least a month and up to a year. Pour into individual bottles, and top off with more vodka. The beans can be used more than once but will need more time to give the same flavor after the first use.

Tarragon Vinegar
2 large sprigs of fresh Tarragon
1quart of distilled vinegar

Boil vinegar. Place tarragon in mason jar, and pour hot vinegar over it. Set aside for 6-8 weeks. Pour into individual jars and include small sprigs of fresh tarragon.

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