Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Coffee Liqueur

This time of year I have lots of extra empty jars around, as we've been making our way through the year's stash of olallieberry jam, sweet freezer pickles, peach nectar, etc.
This seemed like the perfect moment to try making some coffee liqueur.  I've never made this before, but  love the flavor of coffee in chocolate desserts.
And hey, I've got all those empty jars, right?  It had to be done.
I won't know for sure the success of this experiment until the liqueur has "mellowed" for two or three weeks.  But based on a preliminary taste I'd say this will be a winner.  It came from the book Homemade Christmas by Mary Harvey Gurley, the same book that gave me this yummy lemon curd recipe.  Same exact page, by the way -- page 41.  It's a good page.

One more note:  I checked in my trusty Pyromaniac's Cookbook to see what dishes I could set aflame with this and, alas, I learned that while coffee liqueurs are acknowledged as tasty, author John. J. Poister says "their low proof does not make them suitable for flaming unless neutral spirits are added to bolster up the alcoholic content."
Sigh.  I did so want to light my food on fire.

COFFEE LIQUEUR
2 c. water
4 1/2 c. sugar
4 t. instant coffee
drop vanilla extract
1 c. brandy
1 c. rum

In saucepan, combine water, sugar, coffee, and vanilla.  Heat over low-ish heat, stirring, until sugar and coffee powder are dissolved.  Set aside for a minute or two to cool, then add the brandy and rum.  Pour into clean jars and close 'em up good.  Liqueur should be ready in two to three weeks.

NOTE:  This seemed like it would be a whole lotta liqueur, so I cut these amounts in half and still ended up with two-plus small jars full.  FYI.

8 Comments:

Blogger Meg said...

We've been talking about doing this for awhile, and now I have a recipe. Thanks! :)

February 23, 2011 at 4:41 PM  
Blogger Shug said...

Hi Lynn..
I'm stopping over from Barb's blog.
Glad I did....Enjoyed your post!
Will stopping back by...
Blessings,
Shug

February 23, 2011 at 5:42 PM  
Blogger Joanne said...

Ooo so cool! This would be perfect for adding to baked goods!

February 23, 2011 at 6:27 PM  
Blogger Mimi said...

Sounds good to me.
Mimi

February 24, 2011 at 8:51 AM  
Blogger teresa said...

mmm, think of the possibilities!

February 25, 2011 at 12:26 PM  
Anonymous Faith said...

Wow, does this sound amazing...I wish I drank alcohol because this would definitely be the next thing to come out of my kitchen!!!

February 27, 2011 at 10:31 AM  
Anonymous A Canadian Foodie said...

I love finding recipes like this. YUM! This is definitely a must try for me.
:)
Valerie

March 2, 2011 at 10:34 AM  
Blogger Locavore Family said...

This looks amazing! Can't wait to give it a try.

Lindsay
A.K.A. Uncanny Preserves

March 11, 2011 at 12:52 PM  

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