Saturday, December 19, 2009

Farmhouse Kitchen Goodies

Cranberry Orange Liqueur

Years ago I made a homemade version of the Italian liqueur, Limoncello, but this year I wanted to try something a bit more festive looking. I came across this recipe HERE, and began the process 3 weeks ago. This morning we strained out all the cranberries and are left with all this!
Not too sweet, not too tart, it is just right!
A few sips of this will be the perfect finish to our gathering this evening.
The rest will be gifties for a couple of dear friends.

Rosemary Maple-Glazed Cashews

This was so simple it'll make your head spin!
They are a bit sweet, a bit salty, a bit spicy, a bit herby, and nice and crunchy!
Did I mention addicting?
You'll see for yourself.
I have to tie my own hands behind my back to keep from "testing" them!
Find the recipe HERE.

Fleur De Sel Caramels

I have long wanted to try my hand at homemade caramels, so this morning I gave THESE a try.
There is just something so..., so... incredibly wonderful about the combination of these soft caramels and sea salt.
Not too hard to do, but you definitely need a candy thermometer.

Parchment paper wrapped caramels

Wrapping these caramels in the parchment paper was far more time consuming than the actual candy making!

I am now down to counting the hours before we see our daughter Giselle, her husband Jon, and our dear grandbaby Trena!
They arrive tomorrow at 4pm and we can hardly wait to see them!
Trena is nearly 10 months old and hasn't seen us since the first of July, so she will have to spend some time getting re-acquainted with her Memere and Pepere.
Not a problem.

We'll talk real soon,
xoxo
Cindy
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14 comments:

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

Good Heavens - youre a maniac! Better get done before those arms are full of BABY!

savvycityfarmer said...

I have every nut in the house except cachews...but I WIILL make those ... just ran out and harvesed tons of rosemary still thriving ...

I'm basking in the emotions you're feeling right now...savour every moment ... whisper gramma stuff in her little ears ...smother her in kisses.

savvycityfarmer said...

p.s. I found a mortar and pestle in October while out junkin ''' I will get to use it for the rosemary , eh!

Donna said...

OK, that sound on your front porch is from me beating down your door for a drink, a handful of nuts, and some caramels for dessert! I am checking out these recipes!!!

Unknown said...

wow...that cranberry spirit looks beautiful--especially in those bottles.
I am definitely going to make the cashews
Thanks for sharing these great recipes and have a wonderful visit with your grandbaby

Regan Family Farm said...

I'm right behind Donna, though I will use my manners and patiently wait my turn to enter...wow! Your celebration will be so sweet!

Melodie said...

That all looks so good! You have been busy for sure! I hope you have a wonderful time with you family,especially your grandbaby!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Oh My Gosh...does it ever sound delicious at your house! Glad you're having the grand for a visit; love her to pieces while she's there. Thanks for the recipes, will enjoy making some of them...if not all!
Merry Christmas
from Thistle Cove Farm.

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

everything looks so yummy! Thank you for taking the time to share with us!

Unknown said...

But, Cyn, this is all so incredible! The blog, the beautiful photo, the tasty treats!

I am beside myself with envy and wonder.

You are incredible! This is Christmas as it should be.

Love,

Mimi

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

I'm fairly drooling! We did blackberry liquer one time and it was yummy. We gave it as gifts. I love your adorable bottles!

Merry Christmas!

Lola Nova said...

It all looks divine! I will definitely give some of these a try.

KimT said...

Made the carmels. They taste fantastic! Thanks for the inspirations!

Sandie said...

Love those gorgeous bottles you found to hold the Cranberry Liqueur---they're beautiful! Also, glad to hear you enjoyed this festive libation (it's one of my favorites on Inn Cuisine): delish and as you mentioned, not too tart---not too sweet. Happy New Year to you!