Vin d'Orange

I have forever loved the European custom of an aperitif. If you're not familiar with it, you can read about it on my previous post. Most recently, I tried my hand at making Vin d'Orange. I researched a gazillion recipes and tried the one I thought seemed the most authentic. I waited the requisite month of aging and .....yuck. It was weirdly slimy and pulpy and murky, not what I had in mind for a tiny afternoon tipple or a lovely spring brunch I was planning. Generally, the recipes consisted of allowing whole oranges to soak in wine and sugar about a month, then boiling the mixture, straining and adding the brandy.

So, I put on my creative hat and began again. This recipe is not as traditional, but there are a few points I think you'll like better.

1.I didn't boil the entire bottle of wine, so I am assuming you keep the majority of the alcohol intact.
2.Much fresher flavor overall, less of a "baked" taste. I also think you could add some club soda to make it sparkle.
3.The long strand of orange zest looked really fabulous suspended in the wine.
4.We drank on days 4 and finished the bottle on day 10.....I hate waiting.

So very sorry, apparently I did not photograph.....please use imagination to visualize.


VIN D’ORANGE

1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (I used Pinot Grigio)
Zest from 3 Oranges
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup Brandy or other spirits

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of wine, sugar and orange zest over medium heat. Bring to a boil, turn down heat and simmer 10 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Combine remaining wine and Brandy in a decorative pitcher or bottle.

Using a fine sieve or coffee filter, strain zest/sugar mixture and add to wine/brandy combination. Add a piece of zest if desired. Refrigerate. This will last up to 1 year in a cool place. Serve cold as an aperitif.

I packaged mine in a great, clear, flip top bottle for a bit of vintage flair, but you could also pour right back into the pinot grigio bottle and re-label!

Aperitif anyone?

Autumn is a favorite food time for me.  I'm always in love with a slow cooked dish and sides of fresh vegetables from the garden.

Autumn is also a time when my life gets very hectic owning a retail store.  We are hosting events, preparing stock for the holidays, etc.

I need a bit of time to catch my breath after work and begin to wind down.

For several years, John and I have loved having an aperitif before beginning our evening.  Usually a little cordial glass with a cold splash of Pomme de Normandy, Lillet or Banyuls, depending on the season.

Aperitifs are meant to prepare/stimulate your appetite and that they do!  If you'd like to read more about the history of the aperitif, check out this link!

I am super excited that Dolin Vermouth and Cocchi Americano and Vermouth are now available in Michigan.  I love the fact they are full of real herbs and spices (healthy, yes?) and cannot wait to start exploring the world of vermouth!

I also love their very European and occasionally retro bottle art!  I always believe the entire experience should be beautiful and visuals do make a difference.

I recently splurged on glassware for our "experience" as well which adds to the overall feel of this slice of time being special.  I like the fluted sides, and it allows me to either drink my aperitif "neat", over ice, or add a slice of lemon zest.  Some of our cordial glasses are too small to allow that.

Years ago I read something or other about Europeans, their art and visual beauty and the basic gist was that

 {....You don't have to OWN art and beauty, you simply have to see it, appreciate it and take enjoyment of the moment that you are experiencing it....}.

I really love this concept and it explains clearly why Europe is so beautiful in it's buildings, museums, shopping, even the smallest things are meant to visually please and inspire.  I am trying to be a bit more like that everyday.  Create a small piece of beauty to enjoy.