Month: June 2012

Shrubbery

On By kittycalashIn Food1 Comment

20120629-064529.jpg
Shrub, or cordial

Country Living (UK) published a recipe for strawberry cordial that is remarkably similar to the shrubs found in earlier century’s cookbooks. Here’s the recipe in my interpretation, and a review of the product.

Ingredients
Two pounds of strawberries
About two pounds of sugar
600ml red wine vinegar
Three to four days

Rinse, hull, and slice the strawberries. Place in a medium-large bowl.
Add as much sugar as will fit in the bowl with the strawberries. I was a bit short, maybe three cups and not four. Stir to coat the strawberries as evenly as possible. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for three to four days, stirring twice daily.
The strawberries will shrink as they macerate, and each time you stir, less sugar will be caked on the bottom of the bowl.
When the sugar is completely dissolved on the third or fourth day, pour the mixture into a large pan. Add 600ml of red wine vinegar (I used the store brand and it was just fine).
Heat, and allow to boil for one minute. Remove from heat and allow to sit to 10 minutes. Skim off anything that has risen to the surface—the recipes warn you to do this, but my berries were well cleaned and the sugar dissolved fully, so there was nothing to skim.

Strain through a clean cloth, and decant. If storing for up to a month, pour into sterilized bottles or jars. If using promptly, a clean glass container will do.

We mixed the cordial with cold water, and it was delicious, though it would have been even better with sparkling or soda water than flat. We also served it with prosecco, and I assume that was also delicious because it went fast at the opening and I did not get to try it at all!

The syrup or cordial is a rich ruby red, and lustrous. The taste is an interesting twist of sweet and tangy that’s quite refreshing; that same description was used by most tasters. It was not a hit with the adolescent crowd, who prefer orange soda, but adults were surprised and enjoyed the taste.

I’ll have to make it again, and soon, while berries are in season. Some recipes call for raspberries, and I may try that in a smaller batch.

Got Lemons?

On By kittycalashIn Food1 Comment
20120627-063619.jpg
The last lemons

Make Lemonade.

I use the Joy of Cooking recipe for Lemonade Syrup.Boil for 5 minutes:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Rind of 2 lemons, cut into thin strips
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
20120627-063634.jpg
Syrup, with lemon rind strips

Cool and add:

  • Juice of 6 lemons

Strain the syrup. Store in a covered jar. Add:

  • 2 tablespoons syrup

To:

  • 1 glass ice water or carbonated water.
20120627-063645.jpg
Strawberry shrub in progress

I had 10 lemons, not the umpteen required to make 7.5 cups of lemon juice if making lemonade for 100. So I tweaked the recipe, upped the sugar to 3 cups and water to 1.5 cups. We’ll see…this, plus the strawberry cordial/shrub will. Be my contribution to the “historic punch” we’re serving tomorrow evening. Cake will probably be a sponge and lemon curd recipe adapted from the National Trust (UK). I’m feeling WWII, even if that lovely dress isn’t getting made. Next week…there’s always next week.

 

 

Blueberries & Panic

On By kittycalashIn Food, Museums, Reenacting

20120626-061020.jpg
It is just about blueberry season here–maybe two more days to go, really–and they are a lovely addition to oatmeal for breakfast. A good solid meal is what you need when you’re starting a day of random panic attacks about whether or not an exhibit will get done. I was up at 5 to start writing the main case label, surrendering to the inevitable since I began writing it in my head when I woke up at 4:30. Now I need only fit in working out, sewing a dress, making two lunches, showering, and getting the Young Mr off to summer camp by 8. Madness.

But I was struck by a comment on an earlier post, one about authenticity. The fight continues, and the comment reminded me of a conversation going on over at Historically Speaking/Daily Reenactor. There has been some bad stuff happening in units out there in the real world, and online, too. To do these subjects justice, I need more time and thought that I can put in right now, but I refer interested parties to Kelsey’s blog, where there is much to read and consider.

Now, back to panicking for me.