As promised, here is the recipe for Blackberry Cordial. I received a significant number of emails reminding me to get this recipe to them. Plan ahead, this might be a great Christmas gift for some of our family and/or friends. I have tasted this and definitely want to make some this year. I have several friends who would enjoy this. Thank you Frances!
Blackberry Cordial
4 cups blackberries (frozen work very well)
4-5 oranges
1 liter vodka
Simple syrup (1:1) sugar to water
Directions: Prepare the oranges. A peeler works to remove the zest. Cut off the pith (white part) put oranges, blackberries, and zest in a large glass bowl or jar (1/ 2 gallon – 1 gallon size) cover with vodka. Cover jar and let sit for 3-6 weeks. Strain fruit from liquor. Sweeten to taste using the simple syrup.
Frances tells me that you can make this using blueberries and limes for another twist! Enjoy.
Strawberries will be ready in a few weeks. I plan on making some strawberry rhubarb jam. What are your favorite strawberry recipes? Won’t you share some with us?
Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup butter
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
4 ounces frozen strawberries
1 cup whipped cream
Directions: Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside. Beat the butter, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup white sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Beat the first egg into the butter until completely blended, then beat in the vanilla with the last egg. Mix in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Fold in the pecans; mixing just enough to evenly combine. Drop spoonfuls of the dough 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 9 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup white sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Stir strawberry puree into the cream cheese mixture, then fold in the whipped cream. Assemble sandwiches by spreading the cheesecake filling onto the bottom of a graham cracker cookie, then topping with a similar sized cookie. Repeat until all the sandwiches are assembled. Freeze for at least one hour before serving.
I really enjoy this time with you each week and would love to hear from you. Do you have any requests? Is there a recipe you have been looking for or remember from your younger years? Can I help you find it? Do you have any recipes that are special to you that you could share with us? Please contact me at susieqcooking@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
