Benefits Of Artichoke Juice For One And AllArtichoke originated in the Mediterranean countries and was apopular delicacy at Roman feasts. It is now grown in many hotareas and is an important crop in parts of California. A goodartichoke will have a nice color, well closed centre leaves...
Cooking Roast Prime Rib on the Grill Love the taste of prime rib? Love the taste of barbecue? You can combine them together for cooking roast prime rib on the grill. It takes a bit longer than hamburgers, but cooking roast prime rib on the grill gives you a fabulous roast that everyone...
Food Safety is Utmost Important While Handling or Cooking FoodWith all the diseases in the world today, food safety should beutmost in everyone's mind when handling or cooking food. The wayfood is handled before it is cooked is just as important as thecooking itself and how it is handled afterwards....
Valentine Gifts From The Heart
One of my fondest childhood memories is of my mother helping me make a Valentine's box to take to school. We pulled out white paste, an old shoebox, scraps of doilies, and construction paper. There was a flurry of activity as I cut and pasted,...
Veganism: Not As Intimidating As You ThoughtTo some people, the phrase "Vegan Cuisine" sounds like an oxymoron. To others, it sounds like the road of a hardcore food nutritionist. "Scary," was the word used by my roommate when I announced I was going to try to become a vegan. What most people...
Sbiten - Russia's Traditional Winter-time Beverage
Sbiten, the traditional beverage for wintertime in Russia, is a
drink with a long, colorful history. Research shows that sbiten
has been around since the fourteenth century. Traditionally,
Sbiten was served from oft-heated copper samovars by the
sbitenshchik, who served it up until the beginning of the
twentieth century on Russian street corners.
I have always loved all things Russian. For the past twenty
years, I have collected stamps from Russia and outlying
territories, and have an extensive collection in 2 large Scott's
Standard books. One of my favorite composers and pianist is
Kostia, whose haunting music of his Russian homeland is a
beautiful listening experience. If I am particularly stressed
out, it is Kostia I turn to. His albums include Suite St.
Petersburg and 10 Pebbles, among others.
Sbiten is made in different ways, both non-alcoholic and
alcoholic. It is the perfect antidote for long cold winters,
something Russia is famous for. Here in Michigan, it is a real
treat for us old folks that hate winter.
The word Sbiten comes the from the verb sbit--to beat or to
pound. The herbs and spices are ground in a mortar, and then
mixed with honey or molasses. It is allowed to ferment for a
short period, and then mixed with water to make a slightly
alcoholic drink. Replacing the water with a good Cabernet
Sauvignon makes for a more lively drink, one to be appreciated
by all. It is
also fortified with brandy or vodka for a more
potent libation.
The basic recipe for Sbiten:
3 1/2 cups water 2 cups honey 3 cinnamon sticks 2-3 cardamom
pods, seeds removed, toasted and crushed 1/3 Tsp ground ginger 1
TBS whole cloves 2 dried chili peppers (optional) 2 TBS
raspberry or apricot jam
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a slow
boil over medium heat. Whisk continuously to insure honey is
well mixed. Remove from heat and allow to come to room
temperature. Strain liquid through cheesecloth into an airtight
container for storage and refrigerate until ready to bottle.
I buy 750 ml Cobalt Blue EZ Cap bottle from the local
brewmeister to bottle anything like Sbiten to present as a gift
during the holiday season. Add some fancy ribbon, a foil cap to
the bottle, and a gift card. For about $8 USD you have a
wonderful gift to present to friends or co-workers. A case of
the Cobalt Blue bottles runs about $15.00.
Find the recipe for Sbiten and many other fine foods at
http://www.allthebestrecipes.com. Many informative articles and
recipes are posted there daily.
About the author:
Alden Smith is an award winning author who is the webmaster of
http://www.allthebestrecipes.com. Visit his website for a free
660 page cookbook of Secret Famous Recipes. Free articles,
recipes, and cooking tips are available on his site.
