Category: Beverages

Beverages, Fruit, gluten-free

Cranberry Bourbon Refresher

by Lynda Balslev

This bright cranberry cocktail is a perfect refresher:

Cranberry Bourbon Lime Cocktail

Cranberries may be associated with the holiday season – as well they should – but these plump tart berries are delightful year-round when added to salads, salsas, relishes, and, in this case, cocktails. It’s almost summer, and I think a cocktail is most appropriate these days. The cranberries perfectly balance the honeyed spice of bourbon, acting as a natural bitter, if you will. In this drink, the berries are added in three ways – in a simple syrup, as the base for a muddle, and also as an edible garnish – yep, that’s right, you can eat these berries straight up. They’re that good.

Cranberry Bourbon Refresher
Makes one cocktail

Cranberry Simple Syrup:
2 cups frozen cranberries
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 2-inch cinnamon stick

Cocktail:
3 to 4  frozen cranberries
3 to 4 mint leaves
2 lime quarters
1 1/2 ounces bourbon
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce Cranberry Simple Syrup
1 ounce fresh lime juice
Ice cubes

Make the simple syrup:
Combine the syrup ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the cranberries break down, about 15 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pushing down on the cranberry pulp. Discard the solids. Cool the syrup to room temperature. (The simple syrup may be stored in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.)

Make the cocktail:
Combine the cranberries, mint, and lime quarters in a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add the bourbon and Cointreau, and then add the remaining ingredients. Shake vigorously and pour into a tall glass or strain into a rocks glass. Serve with whole cranberries, lime wedges, and mint sprigs.

Disclosure: I was supplied with cranberries from Cape Cod Select for this challenge.
For more recipes and Cape Cod Select information follow their links:
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Pinterest  Store Locator

Beverages, TasteFoodTravel, Wine

Self-Isolating with The Paring Wines

by Lynda Balslev

There’s no better time than now to check out these wines.

The Paring Wine Review

The Paring wines have an extraordinary pedigree at an affordable price. This claim is difficult to challenge considering that The Paring wines are produced from the vineyard blocks that are either too young or don’t fit into the vintage style of the highly acclaimed Jonata and The Hilt wines. And while The Paring wines can be rightly referred to as a “chip off the old block,” they also reflect the untethered philosophy and mindset that comes with the freedom of their own label.

At the core of these wines, you will find a wide-ranging exploration of style, vineyards and blending, all thanks to winemaker Matt Dees, who, when he’s not working with The Paring, can be found making wines for its big sister wineries- Jonata and The Hilt.

The grapes are sourced primarily from three Santa Barbara regions: Ballard Canyon, Sta. Rita Hills, and Santa Maria Valley. If you are not familiar with Santa Barbara wines, it’s time to get to know them. The region is renowned for its diverse topography, unique soil types, and mild Mediterranean climate which produce complex, high acid, spicy, powerful wines.

My Favorite: 2016 The Pairing Red Blend ($25)

This Cabernet-inspired blend displays classic notes of cassis, tobacco and chocolate. It fills the palate with bright red fruit and black plum, and is a constant play between sweet and savory. Gentle and dusty tannins lead the way into an incredibly long and precise finish, this wine is a wonderful tension between tannic structure and bright acidity. Varietal Composition: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot.

2017 The Pairing Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills ($25)

This Pinot Noir offers immediate drinking pleasure without sacrificing the complexity and nuance that makes this grape so compelling. It brims with seductive fruit, alluring aromas and supple tannins. Savory notes and mouth-coating tannins round out this harmonious and complete pinot noir.

2017 The Pairing Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County ($25)

The Chardonnay is an invigorating combination of ripe and silky fruit alongside a refreshing backbone of vibrant acidity. It’s inviting and delectable and offers something for everyone. Low yields and cool days created a blend that is both bold and rich as well as chiseled and steely. It finishes off with citrus and green melon and hints of baking spice.

Disclaimer: These wines were provided to me for review. I was not paid for this post.

Beverages, Christmas, gluten-free, Wine, Winter

Glogg: Hot Spiced Wine, Nordic-style

by Lynda Balslev2 Comments on Glogg: Hot Spiced Wine, Nordic-style

glogg wine TasteFood

Steamy, fragrant, and boosted with spirits, gløgg is an elixir that will warm the hardiest viking. Throughout the month of December, this libation is a Nordic staple, served in cafes, doled out from street carts, and ladled at social gatherings. It’s the season’s response to the cold and dark and as ubiquitous as herring and snaps. Most home cooks will make their own brew, either enabled by a mix or from scratch. This recipe is my version of gløgg from scratch, and I encourage you to try this method. It avoids the cloying sweetness often found with mixes and is remarkably easy to prepare. You don’t have to splurge on a nice bottle of wine for this recipe, but be sure it has heft.

Gløgg (also known as mulled wine and glüwein)
Serves 8 to 10

For the garnish:
1 cup raisins
1/3 cup Cointreau or Gran Marnier
1/2 cup whole almonds (optional)

For the gløgg:
1 1/2 cups Port wine
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup Cointreau or Gran Marnier
1/3 cup brown sugar
Zest of 2 untreated or organic oranges, shaved in strips with a vegetable peeler
10 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 bottles full-bodied red wine

Fresh orange slices as garnish

Prepare the garnish:
Combine the raisins and Cointreau in a small bowl. Let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours. (The raisins may be prepared up to one week in advance.  Cover and refrigerate until use). Toast the almonds in a dry skillet on the stove. Remove from the heat and coarsely chop into large pieces.

Prepare the gløgg:
Combine all of the gløgg ingredients, except the 2 bottles of red wine, in a heavy large pot with a lid. Bring to a boil, the reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the liquid reduces to about 2 cups, about 12 to 15 minutes. Add the red wine, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Heat the gløgg without letting it come to a boil (lest the spirits will evaporate!)

To serve, add a spoonful each of raisins and almonds, if using, to a glass or mug.  Strain the gløgg into the glass. Garnish with fresh orange slices and serve with a spoon for scooping up the raisins and almonds.

Beverages, Fruit, gluten-free

Summer Berry Spritzers and a Mojito

by Lynda Balslev7 Comments on Summer Berry Spritzers and a Mojito



~ Blackberry, Lime and Mint Spritzers~

It’s summertime and the living is easy. And what better way to enjoy the sultry season than with a refreshing, thirst-quenching drink? During this window of time when berries are prolific, I like to make a syrup which I add to drinks.  Depending on the mood or time of day, I’ll stir a few spoonfuls of the vibrant, tangy syrup into icy glasses of Prosecco or sparkling water. If we’re feeling extra festive, I’ll muddle a jigger-full with mint, lime and rum and call it a mojito. The following recipes call for blackberries, but raspberries are a great substitute. And if you’re lucky enough to have a bunch of black currants growing in your garden, then go for it.

Blackberry Syrup
Makes about 1 cup.

12 ounces blackberries
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until blackberries soften and release their juices, about 10 minutes. Cool. Purée in a food processor, then strain through a fine-meshed sieve. Discard the seeds.

Blackberry Spritzers
Makes 1 

Ice cubes
1 part blackberry syrup
2 parts sparkling water, white wine or Proscecco
Lime wedge and mint leaves for garnish

Fill a wine or cocktail glass with ice. Add syrup and sparkling water. Stir. Garnish with lime and mint.

Blackberry Mojito
Makes 1 

1/2 lime, cut in 4 wedges
2 sprigs mint, plus extra leaves for garnish
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) blackberry syrup
Crushed ice
1.5 ounces white rum
Sparkling water
1-2 blackberries for garnish

Muddle 2 lime wedges, mint sprigs and syrup together in a sturdy highball glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Pour rum over ice. Top with sparkling water to taste. Garnish with whole blackberries, remaining lime wedges and mint.

 

Autumn, Fall, Beverages

Cranberry Tequila Toddy

by Lynda Balslev8 Comments on Cranberry Tequila Toddy

Marin Toddy Lynda Balslev tf

Finally – the weather has turned cooler. Most of the year I hear from folks about how much they envy our Northern California climate, but I have to admit that as a New England native, I miss the distinct change of seasons – especially in the fall. At this time of year we’re supposed to be pulling on our fleece and socks, not slipping into sandals and t-shirts. It might still be a too warm for wool right now, but I can at least make this drink. And you should too, especially if you are lucky enough to be enjoying a nippy November.

This Cranberry Tequila Toddy is my latest recipe in the November issue of Marin Magazine. It takes inspiration from the margarita and warms it up with autumnal ingredients such as cranberry and cider. Part cocktail, part toddy, all good.

Cranberry Tequila Toddy
Makes about 6 cups.

1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup Cointreau
4 cups apple cider
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup gold tequila
Lime wedges
Dried Cranberries
Orange slices
6 cinnamon sticks

Combine the cranberries and cointreau in a small bowl. Let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Heat the cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice in a saucepan until very hot without letting it come to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the tequila, cranberries, and Cointreau. Serve warm with a squeeze of lime. Garnish with the orange slices and a cinnamon stick for stirring.

Appetizers, Beverages, Fish and Shellfish, Soups and Stews, Vegetarian

Bloody Mary Gazpacho with Shrimp

by Lynda Balslev7 Comments on Bloody Mary Gazpacho with Shrimp

bloody mary gazpacho tastefood

Posted by Lynda Balslev

This chilled and refreshing summer soup is spiced with all of the necessary accoutrements for a great Bloody Mary, minus the vodka. (Of course, who says you can’t add a splash of spirits for an adult appetizer?) So, depending on your mood, the time of day – and your age – you might call this a spicy gazpacho, an inspired shrimp cocktail, or even a substantial bloody mary, heavy on the garnishes. Serve for brunch or lunch, or in small glasses as a party starter.

Bloody Mary Gazpacho with Shrimp
Serves 4 to 6

4 cups tomato juice
3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 celery stalks, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 English cucumber, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small red onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon Tabasco
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped celery leaves

Optional garnishes:
Celery stalks
Italian Parsley stalks
1 pound large (15/20) shrimp, deveined and shelled with tails intact, cooked and chilled
Splash(es) of vodka

Combine all of the gazpacho ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour and up to 4 hours to let the flavors develop. Serve in bowls or cups. Garnish with celery, parsley and shrimp if using. For an adult version, stir in a splash of vodka.

Beverages, Christmas, Denmark, Desserts, Uncategorized

Glogg, Aebleskivers and Christmas in Copenhagen

by Lynda Balslev15 Comments on Glogg, Aebleskivers and Christmas in Copenhagen

denmark xmas~ Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen ~

It’s that time of year again, and like all good traditions that bear repeating, I will share my recipes for gløgg and aæbleskivers with you. This year I will experience these Danish Christmas delights first hand – I leave today for Copenhagen and one week of touring, writing and eating my way around this beautiful city and its environs, while I indulge my love for all things Nordic and my desire to share the magic of Christmas in Denmark with all of you.

Julestemning, København

You might think that Denmark is cold and dark at this time of year (it is!) but it’s also the coziest and most festive place to be during the holiday season with Christmas markets, Tivoli Gardens, and gleaming shopping streets lined with flagship stores displaying impeccable Danish design and half-timbered boutiques glowing in the dusky light. Open fires line the pedestrian walkways, warming hands and roasting chestnuts, while street carts and storefronts dole out steaming cups of gløgg and sugared æbleskivers to keep the energy up and spirits warm. You can be sure I’ll be drinking all of this in, and while I do that, I’ll share these recipes with you, so you, too, can  join in the Scandinavian holiday spirit.aebleskivers tf011

Danish Æbleskivers

Referred to as pancakes, dumplings or even doughnut holes in English, Danish æbleskivers are served as a treat throughout the month of December. While you can buy aebleskivers pre-frozen in the shops, nothing beats the vanilla and cardamom scent and tender texture of homemade æbleskivers. To make them you will need a special æbleskivers pan, which is a skillet with 6 to 8 round indentations. Cast iron is best.

Makes about 20.

1  1/2 cups whole milk
1 envelope dry yeast or .6 ounce fresh yeast (1 cake)
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon
1/2 vanilla bean
2 large eggs, separatedUnsalted European-style butter
Strawberry or raspberry preserves
Powdered sugar

Heat milk in a small saucepan until lukewarm.  Remove from heat and pour into a medium bowl.  Add yeast and let it dissolve.

Combine flour, sugar, salt and cardamon in a medium bowl.  Split vanilla bean and scrape seeds into the dry ingredients.  Whisk the egg yolks into the milk.  Add the wet ingredients to the flour and mix well. Beat egg whites in bowl of electric mixer until stiff.  Fold into batter.  Let stand one hour at room temperature.

Melt 1/2 teaspoon butter in each indentation of an aebleskiver pan over medium heat. Pour batter into each indentation, about 2/3 full.  Cook until golden brown underneath, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a wooden skewer, turn æbleskivers over and continue to cook until golden and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer æbleskivers to a plate lined with a paper towel, and repeat with remaining batter.  Serve æbleskivers with powdered sugar and preserves. Accompany with gløgg.

glogg wine TasteFood

Gløgg
Serves 8 to 10
For the garnish:
1 cup raisins
1/3 cup Cointreau or Gran Marnier
1/2 cup whole almonds (optional)
For the gløgg:
1 1/2 cups Port wine
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup Cointreau or Gran Marnier
1/3 cup brown sugar
Zest of 2 untreated or organic oranges, shaved in strips with a vegetable peeler
10 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 bottles full-bodied red wineFresh orange slices as garnish
Prepare the garnish:
Combine the raisins and Cointreau in a small bowl. Let sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours. (Raisins may be prepared up to one week in advance.  Cover and refrigerate until use). Toast the almonds in a dry skillet on the stove. Remove from heat and coarsely chop in large pieces.
Prepare the gløgg:
Combine all of the ingredients except the 2 bottles of red wine in a heavy large pot with a lid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until reduced to 2 cups, 12-15 minutes. Add red wine and warm over low heat with the lid on the pot. Do not let the gløgg come to a boil (lest the spirits will evaporate!)To serve, add a spoonful each of raisins and almonds, if using, to a glass or mug.  Strain gløgg into glass.  Garnish with fresh orange slices. Serve with a spoon for scooping up the raisins and almonds.
*Tivoli and storefront image courtesy of VistiDenmark.

Appetizers, Beverages, Breads, Pasta, Rice, Grains, Chicken, Desserts, Fruit, gluten-free, Grilling, Pork, recipe, side dish, Soups and Stews, Summer, Vegetables and Salads

Sizzling Fourth of July Grill Menu

by Lynda Balslev11 Comments on Sizzling Fourth of July Grill Menu

We are wilting under the shroud of a spectacular heat wave here in the Bay area. Stifled by the temperature, nothing is moving – even the leaves are too warm to rustle. It’s so hot right now, it’s impossible to cook. In fact it’s so hot right now, it’s impossible to even write about cooking. So, let me treat you to a photo round up of a sensational summer grill menu in preparation for the fourth of July. Keep cool.

Blackberry Spritzer tfBlackberry Spritzer and Mojitos

gazpachBeat the Heat Chunky Gazpacho

fattoush salad tastefoodFattoush Salad

ribsSummer Solstice BBQ Baby Back Ribs

marinated chicken skewers tfGrilled Chicken Skewers with Sriracha Marinade

quinoa kale slaw tfRed Quinoa and Kale Slaw

apricot bruleeCaramelized Apricots on the Grill with Yogurt and Honey

Beverages, Christmas, Denmark, entertaining

Gløgg – Mulled Spiced Wine

by Lynda Balslev12 Comments on Gløgg – Mulled Spiced Wine

glogg wine TasteFood
Gløgg (Mulled Wine)

Hot, spiced, and boosted with wine and spirits, gløgg is an elixir capable of warming the hardiest Viking. Throughout the month of December, this libation is a Scandinavian staple, served in cafés, doled out from street carts, and ladled into mugs at social gatherings. It’s the fortified response to the season’s cold and seemingly endless darkness, and it’s as ubiquitous as pickled herring. Most home cooks will make their own brew, either enabled by a mix or from scratch. This recipe is my version of gløgg from scratch. It avoids the cloying sweetness often found in pre-mixes, and it’s remarkably easy to prepare. You don’t have to splurge on a nice bottle of wine for this recipe, but be sure it’s something you wouldn’t mind drinking, and that it has body and heft–we’re talking Viking sustenance here, folks.

Serves 8 to 10 friends.

For the garnish:
1 cup raisins
1/3 cup Cointreau or Gran Marnier
1/2 cup whole almonds (optional)

For the gløgg:
1 1/2 cups Port wine
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup Cointreau or Gran Marnier
1/3 cup brown sugar
Zest of 2 untreated or organic oranges, shaved in strips with a vegetable peeler, white pith removed
10 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 bottles full-bodied red wine
Fresh orange slices as garnish

Prepare the garnish:
1. Combine the raisins and Cointreau in a small bowl. Let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
2. Toast the almonds (if using) in a dry skillet on the stove. Remove from heat and coarsely chop in large pieces.

Prepare the gløgg:
1. Combine all of the ingredients except the 2 bottles of red wine in a large heavy pot with a lid. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until reduced to about 2 cups, 12 to 15 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to low, add the red wine, and cover the pot. From this point on, do not let the gløgg come to a boil–or the alcohol will evaporate!
3. To serve, add a spoonful each of raisins and almonds (if using) to a heat-proof glass or mug. Strain the gløgg into the glass (a tea strainer works well for this). Garnish with fresh orange slices and/or a cinnamon stick and serve with a spoon for scooping up the raisins and almonds.

Beverages

Masala Chai with Dates and Honey

by Lynda Balslev12 Comments on Masala Chai with Dates and Honey

~ Masala Chai (Spiced Tea) with Dates and Honey ~

The holiday season is approaching, which of course means that our lives will become more, ahem, spirited. It’s around this time of year that I usually post my gløgg recipe here at TasteFood. But before I let that genie out of the bottle, I will first offer this recipe for Masala Chai. Like gløgg, it’s warm and spiced, but instead of wine, it consists of milk and tea. As you brew it your kitchen will smell like cookies, cake and a holiday all at once. Unlike gløgg, chai has no alcohol, so you are free to imbibe as much as you wish at any time of day. So go ahead and make a pot for a late morning or afternoon pick-me-up. And don’t worry – the glogg recipe is coming.

Masala Chai with Dates and Honey

The dates impart sweetness in the tea as it steeps. If desired, add honey for added sweetness. Cows milk or a combination of almond and cows milk may be used in the tea. Serves 2 to 3.

1 1/2 cups water
4 cardamon pods, crushed
6 cloves
2 medjool dates
1 cinnamon stick
1 one-inch piece of ginger root, sliced
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon assam tea
Honey

Combine the water, cardamom, cloves, dates, cinnamon, ginger and peppercorns  in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, 10 minutes. Add milk and tea. Simmer 5 minutes. Add honey to taste if desired. Strain into warm mugs.