Apple Vichyssoise

This soup is also wonderful if you use fresh blackberries.  You do not have to wait for summer.  I have served this in the middle of winter and it is such a wonderful change of pace for your guests.  (Has a little bit of a surprise factor). Scale of 1-10 as far as delicious and fabulous go….about a 17. Enjoy!  It is WONDERFUL.

Reality: Cold Apple Soup

Serves 4

  •  3 granny smith apples, peeled and diced
  • 4 oz. ready made apple sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar syrup (recipe follows)
  • 1/2 cup Piesporter Wine
  • 1 tbsp. fresh chopped ginger
  • 3/4 cup premium vanilla ice cream
  • 2 tbsp. Calvados (apple brandy)
  • 3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/3 cup whipping cream
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 granny smith apple, finely diced (garnish)

Cook apples in sugar syrup, allowing to cool down completely.  Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté ginger, then adding the apple sauce, wine, Calvados and cream and allow this to cool down.

Puree the mixture with the ice cream in a food processor until very smooth and pass it through a fine sieve.  Stir in the cinnamon, mixing well. Refrigerate until very cold.  Stir in the yogurt and garnish with a bit of the finely diced apples.

Syrup

Take one-half cup water and one-half cup sugar.  Boil until sugar is melted and becomes a little thick.

Note:  The yogurt taste should compliment the soup not overpower it.

Oh yeah, be sure to test the wine before using it…oh yeah, and again when testing it.  Okay, okay….now open a new bottle and share with your guests as they delight in the flavours of the soup.  Hav fun!

English Royale Martini

With the upcoming wedding in England, it only seems appropriate to  make a martini to cover the event. You will need:

 

  • 3 parts Cinnamon Vodka
  • 2 parts Calvadoes Brandy
  • 1 part Gold Schlager (need the ‘bling’ of course)
  • 1 part white chocolate

 

Rim glasses by dipping in calvados and then into a mixture of cinnamon sugar.

Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with crushed ice. Shake well and strain into prepared chilled martini glasses. Garnish with a piece of cinnamon bark.

Gather round the television set and make a toast to the beautiful Catherine and handsome Prince William on their wedding day. Actually who needs the excuse of a wedding. This goes well at any time.