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  • in Drink

    Episode 175 – Intro to Aquavit with Christian Krogstad

    We’re here, though, to talk specifically about Aquavit, the traditional Nordic spirit that walks and talks a little bit like gin, while following a few of its own unique botanical rules. But, before we launch our long-ships on seas perfumed by caraway and dill, let’s take a moment so that you can make yourself a drink,
    In this Aquavit-driven conversation with Christian Krogstad, creator of Krogstad Aquavit, some of the topics we discuss include:

    What differentiates Aquavit from other botanical spirits like gin and genever

    How Christian noticed an impending gap in Aquavit imports and used it as an opportunity to develop and launch his own brand.

    The place that this Nordic spirit holds in Scandinavian cuisine and culture, including which foods to pair it with.

    A few cocktails to play around with as you begin to build out your Aquavit collection at home,

    What to drink with a college-age Stephen Hawking,

    And much, much more

    Featured Cocktail: Norwegian Paralysis
    This episode’s featured cocktail is the Norwegian Paralysis. Developed by Martin Cate of Smuggler’s Cove fame, it’s a relatively low-ABV Tiki drink that gives Aquavit a chance to stretch its tropical legs. To make it, you’ll need: LEGGI TUTTO

  • in Recipes

    Bread Slice Sugar Cookies

    These little bread slices bring a fun new shape to slice-and-bake sugar cookies. There's no special equipment required to make them, and they are super simple to decorate! This week I wanted to make something a little bit lighthearted to amuse myself (and maybe you, too!). These tiny bread slice cookies were just the thing. I had developed a version of these years ago for The Etsy Journal in the form of Fairy Bread Cookies, but there are so many other ways they can be decorated. I decided to whip up a batch just for fun, and I'm so glad I did!Continued, click to read more… LEGGI TUTTO

  • in Recipes

    Dark Chocolate Sumac Brownies

    Ground sumac is the surprising magic ingredient in these rich chocolate brownies. It adds tang and enhances dark cocoa notes with new depth of flavor.  

    If you had asked me two weeks ago what to do with ground sumac, I would have rattled off a list of savory recipes and handed you my favorite kofta kabob recipe. It held no place in my mind as an ingredient for sweet things, but I’m not sure why. One sniff of the crimson powder reveals notes of tart raspberry, red florals, something lemony; a host of opportunity for the sweet kitchen.

    While I’m still exploring the possibilities of ground sumac in sweets, there’s one place where it clearly belongs. Paired with dark chocolate, it punches up the flavor and brings forward hidden subtleties. You won’t be able to identify the spice on its own in these brownies, but you’ll know it’s there by the intensity of the chocolate flavor. 

    If you’re not familiar with sumac, it’ s a wild flowering plant that grows in the Mediterranean and yields red berries. The fruit is dried and ground which releases its tangy fragrance and flavor. It is widely used in Middle Eastern recipes, and most often in savory fare. If you reside in the US as I do, you’ll find it in the Middle Eastern spices section at the grocery store, and it is widely available for order online. 

    The brownie recipe I’m using originates from Ovenly, the salty-sweet themed cookbook from the eponymous bakery in New York. (see here). It’s hard to improve upon a recipe such as this, and the end result is pretty spectacular on its own, but the magic ingredient of ground sumac really ups the ante. 

    To further intensify and punctuate the flavors, a sprinkling of thin Maldon salt is scattered on top of the brownie batter. Most of the brittle flakes melt as the brownie sheet bakes, but you’ll know its there when you take a bite. If you own my second cookbook (Sea Salt Sweet) then you know I’m a huge fan of Maldon salt, as I’ve written a primer on the best salts to use in desserts. I’d urge you to pick up a small tin of this salt if you don’t already have it in your pantry. 

    Just like coffee brings out the flavors or chocolate, sumac plays the same role but in a different way. There’s a new tartness, subtle red cherry notes, a lingering fruity floral… something. The things I can’t articulate are best described by tasting the goods. I hope you’ll give these a try!

    If you’ve experimented with ground sumac in your baking, I’d love to hear about your results!

    [click to print]
    Dark Chocolate Sumac Brownies
    Yields 12-16 brownies
    Adapted from Ovenly: Sweet and Salty Recipes1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, cubed
    1 cup (100 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
    1/4 cup (25 grams) dark unsweet cocoa powder
    1/2 cup (63 grams) all-purpose flour
    2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
    2 teaspoons ground sumac
    3/4 teaspoon salt
    4 large eggs, room temperature
    3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
    3/4 cup (170 grams) packed brown sugar flaky sea salt, such Maldon, for garnishPreheat the oven to 350F. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with flour-based cooking spray (recommend Baker’s Joy). Alternatively, line the pan with foil that overhangs two sides and grease the foil.On the stovetop, melt the butter in a small saucepan on medium heat. Set aside to cool until barely warm but still liquid.In a large mixing bowl, sift together cocoa powder, dark cocoa powder, flour, espresso powder, ground sumac, and salt.In a large glass measure with a pour spout, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir half of the egg mixture into the cocoa powder mixture. Stir in the melted butter. Finally, stir in the remaining egg mixture until just smooth. Do not over-mix.Pour the batter into prepared baking pan, and level evenly in the pan using an offset spatula. Sprinkle Maldon salt over the top of the batter before baking. Don’t be shy here, Maldon salt is very thin and less salty than table salt. Sprinkle liberally to make sure the top is well-speckled with the salt.Bake brownies about 20 minutes, or just until center is set (check at 20 minutes; bake for 5 more minutes if needed). Remove from oven and let cool in the pan. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.For neatest slices, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting, if desired. Brownies will stay fresh up to five days if stored in an airtight container, or frozen for up to two months well wrapped and double bagged in freezer bags.
    link Dark Chocolate Sumac Brownies By Heather Baird Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2021Wednesday, January 20, 2021Dark Chocolate Sumac Brownies LEGGI TUTTO

  • in Recipes

    Classic Opera Cake

    This classic French cake is made with layers of almond sponge, potent coffee syrup, French buttercream, and chocolate ganache. It's worthy of any special occasion.Ah, Opera Cake. This coffee lover's dream-come-true is a six layer affair, stacked with three layers of almond sponge, soaked with espresso syrup and alternating layers of French buttercream and butter ganache. It has been described as 'elaborate' which is true. Its preparation calls for your time, patience, and a candy thermometer, but the end result is so worth the effort. It is one of my favorite cakes of all time, and it's certainly one to try if you're looking to hone your skills in patisserie. Continued, click to read more… LEGGI TUTTO

  • in Drink

    Episode 174 – Indicate THIS

    In this Bar Cart Foundations episode, Eric offers a crash course in
    geographic indications – the rules that govern the materials, processes,
    and label claims that define our spirits. LEGGI TUTTO

  • in Recipes

    Perfect Baked Oatmeal

    Breakfast is ready when you are with this make-ahead pan of lightly sweet baked oatmeal. Toppings can be endlessly varied to suit your morning cravings. 

    I skip breakfast all too often, and most of the time my morning begins with a cup of coffee and whatever is closest to hand – a cookie or whatever sweet baked thing I’ve made the day before. This year I’m making an effort, or at least leaning into, a more nutritious way to start the day.
    This baked oatmeal has been a real game-changer. I can make a pan on Monday and enjoy breakfast all week long, varying toppings along the way to change the flavor so it doesn’t get boring. And oats are so filling and packed with good vitamins, minerals, and fiber – I’m not starving by lunchtime.

    This recipe makes a big 13×9-inch pan, which might be considered ‘family size’. If you’re just feeding yourself, then this recipe halves easily into an 8×8 pan. It’s incredibly easy to stir together and is very lightly sweetened with brown sugar. That is to say, you won’t have a sugar crash after eating a slice.

    I call this the perfect baked oatmeal because it really is the perfect blank canvas for any topping you’d like to add. Some baked oatmeal recipes add berries in the mixture before baking, but I’ve found this reduces its longevity. Berries get mushy, and neighboring oats take on a weird texture. This version is just oats and a few walnuts for some healthy omegas in the mix.

    Toppings can be anything you have on hand. I love this with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh berries, but you could simply have it with a pat of salted butter. A smear of peanut or almond butter on top is nice on top of a warm slice, and becomes melty and delectable. Jams and jellies are also welcome additions. Or, put a slice in a bowl and add a splash of milk on top. 

    It seems crazy to claim that a dish as humble as this is life-changing, so instead I’ll say it’s ‘week changing’. It’s been nice having something more healthful ready to hand, and it’s provided a way to add much needed energy and heart-healthy fiber to my mornings.

    [click to print]
    Perfect Baked Oatmeal
    12 servings4 cups (360g) old fashioned oats
    1 cup (207g) light brown sugar, packed
    1 cup (113g) chopped walnuts
    1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    2 teaspoons baking powder
    1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
    4 cups (960ml) milk (tested with whole milk)
    4 eggs
    1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter meltedPreheat the oven to 350° F.Coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sugar, nuts, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the milk mixture to the oat mixture; pour over the melted butter. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the middle is well set. Cool slightly before cutting into squares.Baked oatmeal keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave before serving.Notes:
    Recipe can be easily halved and baked in an 8×8 inch baking dish. Decrease bake time to 30-35 minutes.Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh fruit. Nut butters pair well with this and make the dish even heartier. Place a warmed slice in a bowl and top with a splash of milk. Dollop with yogurt, add a handful of nuts. Jams and jellies add sweetness and taste delicious with the oats.
    link Perfect Baked Oatmeal By Heather Baird Published: Friday, January 15, 2021Friday, January 15, 2021Perfect Baked Oatmeal Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

  • in Recipes

    Non-Alcoholic Negroni (NAgroni)

    All the delight of a negroni cocktail, but without the alcohol! This non-alcoholic negroni relies on alcohol-free gin and vermouth to make a cocktail that’s just as bold and delicious as the original. Continue reading “Non-Alcoholic Negroni (NAgroni)” » LEGGI TUTTO