Jason Logsdon's Blog, page 46

Modernist Cooking Blog: How to Make Infused Simple Syrups

Simple syrup is a sweet, easily dissolved liquid that is perfect for cocktails or sodas. It's usually around a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. The water is heated enough for the sugar to melt, then the mixture is cooled. The simple syrup can then be used to sweeten drinks without any of the grittiness that can occur when using plain sugar.

There are many types of simple syrup, depending on what type of sugar you use and whether or not their are any spices or herbs used during the process.

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Modernist Cooking Blog: How to Make Infusions for Gifts

The holidays are often a time of scrambling to find "more stuff" that people in your life will want. While we all love to get gifts, sometimes it's the handmade items that we can actually use that mean the most to us. There are many great food gift ideas that meet this criteria, but you can only stand to get so many fruit cakes each year!

As many of you know, I've had infusions on the brain this year, so I decided to make several infusions to give as gifts. I'm also helping my mother-in-law make infusions to give to all of her friends.

There are many benefits to making infusions as gifts:

Easy to make in large quantities
Can tailor them to specific people
Used over time, so they think of you often
Most will last for several weeks, if not months
Inexpensive compared to buying pre-made flavored oils and vinegars

When making the infusions, you can use any of the main infusing methods, including traditional infusions, sous vide infusions, whipping siphon infusions, or fat washing. Regardless of the method, or the types of infusions, the process is the same. Here are some step-by-step directions for giving infusions as gifts.

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Modernist Recipes: Rum Raisin Caramel Sauce Recipe

The spiced rum-infused raisins add great flavor to this caramel sauce and more depth to savory dishes such as pork and lamb. The sauce itself is ideal on desserts or even served plain on vanilla ice cream. Read the entire entry...

Modernist Recipes: Raspberry Infused Vinaigrette Recipe

This raspberry infused vinaigrette is fruity and flavorful and pairs well with white fish or light summer salads. By using a higher ratio of vinegar than normal, the flavors will
shine through more. Read the entire entry...

Modernist Recipes: Tarragon Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette Recipe

This vinaigrette sauce is light and bright, adding many base layers of flavor to any dish you use it on. Shallot, lemon, and tarragon go great with lighter meats and especially fish. Read the entire entry...

Modernist Recipes: Cucumber and Sour Apple Gin Fizz Recipe

This refreshing fizz drink gets the tartness from the sour apples but you can add some lime or lemon juice if you want it more sour. If you want a sweeter drink you can add a teaspoon or so of agave syrup. Read the entire entry...

Modernist Recipes: Strawberry Basil Rum Fizz Recipe

This rum is infused with sweet strawberries and herby basil making it an ideal fizz to sip on a hot day. I add a little agave syrup for sweetness and lime juice for additional tartness. Read the entire entry...

Modernist Recipes: Cherry Vanilla Balsamic Shrub Recipe

Instead of light and airy, this recipe is for a heavy shrub that packs a wallop with strong vanilla and balsamic flavors, in addition to the molasses notes from the brown sugar. You can serve it with a splash of club soda. Read the entire entry...

Modernist Recipes: Limoncello Cocktail Recipe

Limoncello is a classic Italian digestif. For this quick cocktail version I combine a simple syrup and a Lemon Infused Vodka. The final product is a little less rounded than the original, but it's still a refreshing drink! Read the entire entry...

Modernist Recipes: Apple Pie Bourbon Liqueur Recipe

This liqueur is perfect when served with dessert or as an after dinner drink over ice. For even more apple flavor I add some Calvados or Apple Jack or for a fun take on a bourbon White Russian add a splash of milk or heavy cream. Read the entire entry...