Kahlua Liqueur
[expand title=’Ingredients’]2 c. water
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. instant coffee crystals
1 fifth “good brand” vodka
2 tsp. Vanilla[/expand]
Preparation:
In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in coffee crystals; cool. Pour mixture into 2 quart screw top glass jars. Stir in vodka and vanilla; cover with lid. Let stand at room temperature for 2 weeks. Makes 5 1/2 cups of excellent Kahlua.
Pork Medallions with Lemon and Capers
[expand title=’Ingredients’]1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch-thick medallions
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup chicken stock or canned broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/4 cup peeled diced lemon segments (optional)
Chopped fresh chives or green onion tops
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Preparation:
Press pepper onto both sides of pork pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Season pork with salt. Cook until just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to plates and keep warm.
Add stock and lemon juice to skillet. Boil until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 7 minutes. Whisk in remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Add capers and lemon segments if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over pork. Sprinkle with chives and serve.
Mocha (hot) 4 servings
[expand title=’Ingredients’]2 cups coffee
1/3 cup cocoa
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipping cream
dash cinnamon[/expand]
Preparation:
Mix cocoa, sugar, coffee and milk in a sauce pan Heat, over medium heat constantly stirring, until simmering Remove from heat and stir in vanilla Pour into cups, top with whipped cream and cinnamon
Black-eyed Peas With Ham
[expand title=’Ingredients’]3 1/2 c Fresh black-eyed peas or Frozen, thawed
3 c Chicken stock or canned low-salt broth
4 oz Ham, finely chopped
1 sm Yellow onion, chopped
2 tb Balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
3 lg Garlic cloves, minced
1 Bay leaf
1/2 ts Dried thyme, crumbled
1/4 ts Dried crushed red pepper
[/expand]
Preparation:
Bring all ingredients to boil in heavy large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Yield: 6 servings
Spiced Cran-Apple Liqueur
[expand title=’Ingredients’]4 med. Granny Smith apples (1 1/2 lbs.)
2 c. white wine
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. whole cloves
2 c. sugar
1 pkg. (12 oz.) cranberries, coarsely chopped
2 c. brandy
1 tsp. grated orange peel[/expand]
Preparation:
1. Pare and core apples; cut in eighths. In large glass bowl, combine apples, 1/2 cup wine, the cinnamon and cloves. Cook on HIGH 8 minutes or until boiling, stirring occasionally. Add sugar; cook on HIGH 4 minutes or until sugar dissolves, stirring once.
2. Add cranberries, brandy, remaining wine and the orange peel; mix well. Pour into 2 quart glass container; cover tightly. Store in cool, dark place 3 weeks, shaking occasionally.
3. Strain through double thickness of cheesecloth; repeat until liquid is clear. Pour liqueur into 1 quart bottle or decanter; cover tightly. Store in cool, dark place for 2 weeks before serving or gift-giving. Save soaked apples an cranberries to serve over ice cream or pound cake. Make 1 quart liqueur.
