Listeners, what “must-have” desserts are you baking for the holidays? You know what we mean … those special items that your family has come to depend upon, and that the holidays simply wouldn’t seem complete without. For Andrea, it’s pecan pie. Head on over to the Facebook group Preheated or send an email to hosts@preheatedpodcast.com and share your story!
Andrea’s enjoying a recipe for Homemade Hot Buttered Rum from Michael Gully, which causes Stefin to recall one of her favorite songs, Hot Buttered Rum from Mary Chapin Carpenter. For the listeners who aren’t interested in tipsy treats, BBC Good Food has some special non-alcoholic beverages that Stefin’s eyeing: a Raspberry Cordial recipe that could be stirred with some sparkling water or tonic, and a Gin Free Gin & Tonic. It will be interesting to see if this wave of non-alcoholic alcohol, started by Seedlip, is a new trend that will continue to grow. It’s reminding Andrea of her shrub and drinking vinegar experiments that revealed a 1:1:1 ratio of fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Finally, for a warm treat, try a Vanilla Chai Hot Toddy from Tesco that’s non-alcoholic and dairy free, if you skip the optional heavy cream.
Recipe Review: Cherry Bounce from Cathy Barrow
Both Andrea and Stefin are a bit overwhelmed by how potent and astringent the Cherry Bounce made with vodka is on its own, but Stefin’s ready with a suggestion: stir it into a cocktail, perhaps the Mt. Vernon Mule? (This link has all kinds of variations; sub your cherry liqueur for the vodka.) Or perhaps play around with aging; it may mellow over time.
Stefin’s second batch made with rum, however, was heavier and sweeter and much more pleasant for solo sipping. (She thinks it would also be yummy as a base for a potent Roy Rogers!)
Meanwhile, Andrea’s consuming the alcohol-laden cherries, which leads Stefin to suggest she save a few for some upcoming plans with boozy fruit. If you’re fortunate enough to be overloaded with fresh cherries, here’s another Cherry Bounce Recipe that uses 10 pounds of cherries!
Bake Along: Homemade Irish Cream from A Cozy Kitchen
While both Stefin and Andrea are fond of purchased Bailey’s Irish Cream, neither has tackled a homemade version before. This recipe from A Cozy Kitchen looks delicious and only requires one hour of chilling time. Andrea’s intrigued by Stefin’s mention of a chocolate syrup from Lyle’s (of Golden Syrup fame) and proposes an exchange with Stefin: she’ll ship semi-sweet chocolate chips to London, if Stefin will ship Lyle’s chocolate syrup to Washington!
Globetrotting Gourmet: Ireland
Stefin’s first discovery in Ireland was how seriously the Irish take their soda bread. From a Treacle and Stout bread that was on the sweeter side, to a beer bread that veered a little more savory, she discovered lots of new ideas for her favorite quick bread. Andrea’s intrigued by the addition of butter at every meal, and Stefin pronounces Irish butter to be her very favorite in all the world. Speaking of favorites, did you know Ireland has delicious ice cream? Sea Salt, Chocolate, Brown Bread, Caramel, and Whiskey flavors had Stefin and her family in a frenzy of delight. Be sure to explore Murphy’s Ice Cream (with several locations throughout Ireland) if you want ice cream made using milk from Kerry cows!
Previously on Preheated …
One Year Ago: Episode 55: Blizzard Blondies and the Smells of Christmas
Two Years Ago: Episode 6: Fudge and Special Guest Ann Lundholm
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