First of all, I would like to mention that the past Friday was Burns Night, in ode to the Scottish poet who wrote "Address to a Haggis" amongst other well known Scottish poems. What more befitting than to serve up a haggis supper? This is the third year in a row I've done it, and it's always a treat! I don't just have haggis on this day, but there's something a little special about doing something for the occasion itself!
Secondly, I am about to post up a recipe for a drink that is well overdue!
I made this in December as a sort of christmassy drink however, I was meant to give it as presents, or use it in a punch for a party I was meant to have but never got around to... It was only last night I got people to actually taste it, and it went down really well mixed with either some coke or fizzy lemondade! Personally, I don't drink vodka, BUT I did taste this one making sure it would be good to give away to friends - it's tasty! PS. You need to be patient with this one, it takes two weeks to "brew"....
Spiced Arancello (Makes about 2.5 litres)
5 large oranges
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 cardamom pods
1 vanilla pod
1 l bottle of vodka (I used Russian Standard)
600 g caster sugar
+ a few extra oranges, cinnamon sticks and vanilla pods for decorating purposes!
Before you start, make sure you have a bottle with a wide top to put this in, as you will have to transfer it to a bigger bottle later on in the process! I was fighting with getting the peel out of the actual vodka bottle whenever I made it - you live and you learn! If you have a bottle that can contain 2.5 - 3 litres, then that will definitely come in handy here!
- Pare the zest from five oranges using a peeler, make sure not to use any of the white bitter layer. Put zest, spices and vanilla pod in a large bottle along with the vodka. Seal the bottle and leave it in a dark place for a week, shake it once or twice a day.
SEVEN DAYS LATER
- Have the sugar in a heatproof bowl along with 500 ml boiling water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Cool slightly before adding to the vodka mix. Leave for another week, and shake once a day to make sure it is all mixed well.
- Strain into decorative bottles, throw away the peel and spices. Before giving it away, Put a vanilla pod and/or cinnamon stick along with some fresh spices.
These will make perfect christmas presents, or additional hamper gifts. It goes well with fizzy lemonade and can also be mixed with coke.
Original source:
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/8025/spiced-arancello
- Jules
No comments:
Post a Comment