Beverage and Liqueur Recipes

Peach-Ginger Liqueur

4 cups (1 quart) vodka
4 cups granulated sugar
1 pound (3 cups) dried peaches, chopped
1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger

In a 3- to 4-quart pan, combine vodka and sugar. Stir often over medium heat until mixture reaches 125 degrees F - hot to touch - about 5 minutes. Watch carefully; if overheated, fumes may ignite.

Place peaches and ginger in at least a 2-quart wide-mouth glass jar. Pour in hot vodka mixture. Seal airtight. (If seal is rubber or synthetic rubber, cover glass top with plastic wrap to protect seal; alcohol can soften it.) Let stand at least 1 week or up to 2 months.

Line a strainer with 4 layers of damp cheesecloth and set over an 8-cup glass measure or bowl with a pour spout. Pour liqueur and fruit, a portion at a time, through cloth. When fruit is no longer dripping, save for other uses; wrap airtight and refrigerate up to 3 months.

Pour liqueur into small bottles; seal airtight (if seals are rubber or synthetic rubber, see step 2). Serve liqueur, or store in a cool, dark place up to I year.

Makes About 5 cups liqueur, 4 cups fruit

Per tablespoon: 64 cal., 0% (0 cal.) from fat; 0 g protein; 0 g fat; 8.1 g carbo (0.1 g fiber); 0.4 mg sodium; 0 mg chol