Orange Liquor

Extended Shelf Life: Oranges (peels specifically)

Remember how we dived a bunch of oranges?

It's lead to exciting creations such as Orange Marmalade and Tangerine Salsa.

But this round of dumpster diving and experimenting has lead me to explore the art of using the entire fruit or vegetable. To find ways to use peels and scraps, pulp and cores. 

Vinegar has been a life saver for this.

So is making home-made stock.

But, obviously, in our house, we also enjoy a good Alcohol experiment or two what with the brewing and all.

So, with more peels than I could handle, I figured it was time to soak some in Vodka and see what I could create.

Based on this recipe, I went forth with a simple experiment which basically involved soaking a large handful of tangerine peels in the Vodka from one 750 ml bottle for a couple of weeks. I think made a simple syrup with water and sugar, added it to the tangerine Vodka and we ended up with a sickly sweet bottle of Orange Liquor which turns out makes a fabulous drink when poured over lime ice cubes.

So there you have it! Just another way to use up things you'd otherwise trash, candy or compost!

Soju Margarita

What better companion exists for Green Chile Smothered Black Bean and Rice Burritos in Korea than a mock Margarita made with Soju. There's actually not much about this that's margarita, other than it be served alongside burritos. There's actually not much about this that's worthy of a recipe post.

Strawberries + Soju + Blender = Soju Margarita.

Soju Hot Sauce

I haven't had a chance to use my Soju Hot Sauce and honestly, I'm too sure it worked out so hot. It would have been hugely beneficial to have only whole spices as opposed to using powdered cumin, however, that's not how I roll, so I modified and experimented using this recipe as my inspiration.

Basic idea: Shove a few dry or fresh hot chilies into a glass bottle, add toasted whole black peppercorns, allspice (or a combo of cinnamon and cloves) and some cumin seeds before pouring into the bottle a clear alcohol - in Korea, go for Soju. Let sit for a minimum of a week before experimenting and enjoying your home made hot sauce!