Archive January 19, 2007

Pucker Up!

The other day someone asked me what I like to drink besides wine. At first I laughed at the absurdity of the question, but I do occasionally venture away from my vino.
Here’s what I like to drink on the rare occasion I put my wine glass down:

Limoncello - a lemon liqueur born in Capri, Italy. The lemons were prized for more than just their taste as they were believed to have medicinal powers. Not powerful enough to help Danny De Vito and George Clooney. But if they are drinking it - why shouldn’t we?

Limoncello is typically served chilled straight up in a shot glass. It’s also refreshing mixed in cocktails or try spiking lemonade, ice tea or champagne with it. Drizzle it over cake or ice cream or pour freely over fresh fruit. The tangy possibilities are endless.

Want to impress your friends (heck even yourself)? Try making your own Limoncello. Here’s a simple recipe:

LIMONCELLO (Makes about 2 quarts)
11-- lemons
1 -- liter 160 proof vodka or grain alcohol
3 -- cups sugar
3 -- cups boiling water

1. Peel strips of zest from lemons using a vegetable peeler. Put zest and vodka in an airtight container: let stand in the dark at room temperature 2 weeks
2. Stir together sugar and boiling water until the sugar is dissolved: let cool. Stir sugar mixture into vodka mixture; refrigerate in an airtight container 2 days
3. Before serving, pour through a large sieve, discard zest. Limoncello can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Let me know when you make this, I just might stop by.

Word to the wise; over-indulging in this tasty drink can cause a truly big headache due to the sugars in the liquor! Just ask Danny.

Cheers!

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