Best Andreas Viestads Mock Aquavit Recipes

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ANDREAS VIESTAD'S MOCK AQUAVIT



Andreas Viestad's Mock Aquavit image

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

2 teaspoons caraway seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seed
2 teaspoons dill seeds
2 star anise
1 tablespoon coriander seed
1 whole clove
1 cinnamon stick, 1-inch long (optional)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds (optional)
1 liter potato vodka

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



Mussels with Aquavit, Cream, and Tarragon image

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

2 pounds mussels, scrubbed under cold running water and debearded
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 garlic clove, crushed, plus 1 more to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons tarragon vinegar
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 tablespoon aquavit or brandy
2 tablespoons heavy (whipping) cream or crème fraîche
Fine sea salt

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.

Andreas Viestad is a Norwegian culinary expert and a cookbook author. He is known for his innovative and creative use of traditional Scandinavian ingredients and flavors. One of his most interesting and flavorful creations is his mock aquavit recipes.

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
Instructions:
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, dried dill, black peppercorns, and coriander seeds.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the flavors have blended.
  4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  5. Strain the mixture and discard the solids.
  6. 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
Instructions:
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, sugar, caraway seeds, black peppercorns, allspice berries, and cinnamon stick.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the flavors have blended.
  4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  5. Strain the mixture and discard the solids.
  6. 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
Instructions:
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice, water, sugar, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, juniper berries, and bay leaf.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the flavors have blended.
  4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  5. Strain the mixture and discard the solids.
  6. 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!
Andreas Viestad is a Norwegian chef, author, and television host. He is known for his unique cooking techniques and recipes that he shares with his audience through his shows and cookbooks. In this article, we will be discussing some valuable tips when making Andreas Viestad's mock aquavit recipes.

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

Experiment with Flavors

Andreas Viestad's mock aquavit recipes are a canvas for experimentation. While traditional aquavit has a distinct flavor profile, mock aquavit can be customized to suit your taste buds. Don't hesitate to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a unique and personalized mock aquavit. You can add different fruits, vegetables, and even flower petals to infuse with the spirit for a unique flavor profile.

Use the Right Infusing Jar

The type of jar you use to infuse your mock aquavit matters. Use a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and make sure it's big enough to hold the spirit and the herbs and spices. A mason jar is an ideal option because it's airtight and helps keep out light that can affect the flavor of the infusion.

Store in the Right Place

After infusing, it's important to store the mock aquavit in the right place. Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, and keep it in a temperature-controlled space. A pantry or cupboard is a great place to store your mock aquavit, but make sure it's not too warm or too cold. The ideal temperature for storing mock aquavit is between 50°F and 70°F.

Experiment with Serving

Once you've made your mock aquavit, it's time to experiment with serving it. One of the most common ways to serve aquavit is to drink it neat or on the rocks. However, you can also mix it with other non-alcoholic drinks for a refreshing and flavorful mocktail. Viestad suggests mixing mock aquavit with tonic water, ginger ale, or citrus juice to create a flavorful and refreshing drink.

Serve with the Right Pairing

Pair your mock aquavit with the right food to enhance its flavor profile. Since traditional aquavit is typically served as a digestif, it's often paired with hearty Scandinavian dishes such as cured meats, smoked fish, and pickled vegetables. You can also pair mock aquavit with spicy and flavorful dishes to balance out the flavors.

Conclusion

Andreas Viestad's mock aquavit recipes are a great way to enjoy the flavors and aromas of traditional aquavit without the alcohol. By following these valuable tips, you can create a unique and personalized mock aquavit that suits your taste buds. Remember to choose fresh ingredients, mix different herbs and spices, and experiment with infusing and serving techniques to create a flavorful and refreshing mocktail.

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