ANDREAS VIESTAD'S MOCK AQUAVIT
It's often difficult to find aquavit here in the liquor stores of the United States. So if you have a hankering for that potent liquor, here's a substitute for you. :) You can experiment with all sorts of flavors, not just caraway. Recipe adapted from "Kitchen of Light: New Scandinavian Cooking with Andreas Viestad" by Andres Viestad. Prep time includes infusion.
Provided by Julesong
Categories Beverages
Time P14D
Yield 1 liter
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Open the vodka bottle, add all the remaining ingredients, and cover tightly.
- Let stand in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking every 3 or 4 days - how long you let it sit depends on how strong you want it, so taste it after 2 weeks to see if you want to let it go longer.
- When it's as strong as you'd like, strain the solids through a sieve and discard them, then transfer the aquavit back into the bottle.
- To serve: place your aquavit in the freezer until chilled and you can also place your 1 ounce tall glasses in the refrigerator until chilled - then serve (ask your Scandinavian friends about toasting practices with aquavit, as it can be rather complicated).
- Note: some people prefer non-potato vodka - use whatever you like.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 2208.2, Fat 2.4, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 14.4, Carbohydrate 8.2, Fiber 5.4, Protein 2.4
MUSSELS WITH AQUAVIT, CREAM, AND TARRAGON
Provided by Andreas Viestad
Categories Milk/Cream Garlic Steam Quick & Easy Lunch Vinegar Mussel Brandy Fall Spring Tarragon Thyme Shallot Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 2 main-course or 4 to 6 appetizer servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Throw out any mussels with cracked shells or that did not close when you scrubbed them.
- Heat the butter over medium heat in a pot just large enough to hold the mussels. Sauté the shallots and garlic for 4 to 5 minutes. Add half the tarragon, the thyme, vinegar, fennel seeds, aquavit, and mussels. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cover and let steam for 6 to 7 minutes, until the mussels have opened. With a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to a large serving bowl; discard any that did not open.
- Add the cream to the cooking juices and cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, until slightly reduced. Season with salt and a little more minced garlic, if desired. Pour the cooking juices over the mussels, sprinkle with the rest of the tarragon, and serve.
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What is Aquavit?
Aquavit is a traditional Scandinavian spirit that is often associated with the holiday season. It is a clear, high-proof liquor that is flavored with herbs and spices, especially caraway and dill. It is often served as a shot or a sipper, sometimes accompanied by pickled herring or other pickled delicacies.Mock Aquavit
Mock aquavit is a non-alcoholic version of the traditional Scandinavian spirit. Andreas Viestad has created several mock aquavit recipes that are easy to make and can be enjoyed year-round. These recipes use herbs, spices, and other ingredients to recreate the flavor and aroma of aquavit without the need for high-proof liquor.Mock Aquavit Recipe #1: Dill and Mustard Seed
Ingredients:- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, dried dill, black peppercorns, and coriander seeds.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the flavors have blended.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture and discard the solids.
- Pour the mock aquavit into a bottle and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Mock Aquavit Recipe #2: Caraway and Orange
Ingredients:- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon allspice berries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, sugar, caraway seeds, black peppercorns, allspice berries, and cinnamon stick.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the flavors have blended.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture and discard the solids.
- Pour the mock aquavit into a bottle and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Mock Aquavit Recipe #3: Fennel and Lemon
Ingredients:- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon juniper berries
- 1 bay leaf
- In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice, water, sugar, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, juniper berries, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the flavors have blended.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture and discard the solids.
- Pour the mock aquavit into a bottle and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Conclusion
Andreas Viestad's mock aquavit recipes are a great way to enjoy the flavors of traditional Scandinavian spirits without the need for high-proof liquor. These recipes are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer the flavors of dill and mustard seed, caraway and orange, or fennel and lemon, there is a mock aquavit recipe out there for you. So, try out these recipes and enjoy the taste of Scandinavia!What is Mock Aquavit?
Mock Aquavit is a non-alcoholic version of Aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian spirit. Aquavit is typically made with caraway, dill, and other herbs or spices, and is usually served as a digestif. Mock Aquavit retains the same flavors and aromas of traditional aquavit but is non-alcoholic, making it a perfect alternative for those who do not drink alcohol.Choose Fresh Ingredients
The first and foremost tip when making Andreas Viestad's mock aquavit is to choose fresh ingredients. The flavors and aromas of mock aquavit largely depend on the quality and freshness of the ingredients used. So make sure to use fresh herbs and spices, especially caraway and dill, which are essential for the authentic taste of aquavit.Use Infusing Techniques
Mock Aquavit is all about infusing. It's the process of adding flavors and aromas to neutral spirits such as vodka, gin, or tequila. To infuse herbs and spices, simply mix them with the spirit and let them sit for a few days or weeks. The longer the infusion time, the more intense the flavors will be. Viestad recommends infusing for at least three days, but four to five days would be ideal. However, be careful not to over-infuse, as it can lead to a bitter taste.Mix Different Herbs and Spices
Another valuable tip to keep in mind when making Andreas Viestad's mock aquavit is to mix different herbs and spices. While caraway and dill are the primary flavors in aquavit, there are many other ingredients that can be used to add depth and complexity to the drink. Some of the most commonly used herbs and spices in aquavit include:- Coriander
- Anise
- Juniper berries
- Cumin
- Fennel