Jennifer Nolan/
Jennifer used to assist a photographer I work with and has now taken
the step out and is standing on her own two feet. I always love working
with her, she is always smiling and in a good mood. And she always
looks like she is going to a ballet rehearsal after work, I love it!
Lithuanian Krupnikas
“Lithuanian Krupnikas is a part of our family holiday tradition every year without
fail, and although time consuming they’re always homemade.”
Makes 11⁄
2 quarts
2 lbs honey
10 whole cloves
10 whole allspice berries
1 teaspoon white pepper
4 sticks cinnamon
3 sticks vanilla
2 pieces thick sliced ginger
2 teaspoons ginger
2 teaspoons caraway seeds
10 cardamom seeds
1⁄
2 nutmeg seed
3 strips orange rind
3 strips lemon rind
1 pinch saffron
4 cups water
2 teaspoons whole peppercorns
1 pinch saffron
1 quart grain alcohol
1. Grind the cardamom, nutmeg, and caraway seeds on a cutting board.
2. Toss
them into a saucepan with cloves, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns,
saffron, ginger, orange and lemon rind, vanilla sticks, saffron, sliced ginger, and
white pepper.
3. Pour in the water, and bring to a boil.
4. Cover, and simmer until
the liquid is reduced by
1⁄
2.
5. Strain out spices, and set the liquid aside.
6. Pour
honey into a large pot, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
7. Skim off any foam
from the top.
8. Stir in the strained liquid from the spices.
9. Remove from heat and
place far from the stove to avoid any flare-ups from the grain alcohol.
10. Slowly
stir in the grain alcohol.
11. Place the pot back onto the burner over low heat and
cover.
12. Heat through, being careful not to boil or even simmer.
13. Remove from
heat and let stand overnight with the lid on.
14. The following day, pour the liquid
into sterile bottles, seal, and allow to settle for at least 2 weeks.
*Serve warm.
