October Warmer

SCOTTISH COUNTRY HOUSE RECIPES:

This will warm up any party that you are preparing for, or have your shooting parties glowing on those cold frosty shoot days...Sloe Gin

So here we go...

Take yourself off out into the countryside with a container to gather some Sloe Berries....fruit of the Blackthorn.

If you are not sure where to find them, keep your eyes open around the hedgerows or take yourself off the beaten track and they will be there.

Your local farmer I am sure will know exactly where they are, if you can talk to him he might just let you in on the secret. You wont need many... 1kg of berries will be enough to make you a large bottle of the liqueur...

Are the berries read? If they are black, yes they are...If they are green ,no they are not...The readiness will vary depending on the climate in your area...Here I can happily leave them until October...some places further south they can be ready in September...Mind your fingers though the bush is very prickly, you may want to wear some gloves...Happy picking out in all that lovely fresh air...

This is what you will need for the recipe...

1kg Sloe Berries 

sugar 

water 

gin

Using a cocktail stick, prick the berries all over, this may seem tedious and boring but it will be well worth it as this will help release maximum colour and flavour to your tipple...

Then put the berries into a clean demi john, or a large jar with a lid will do just as well if you haven't got the other.

Add the sugar the water and the gin, pop the lid on and shake it around. NOT TOO FIERCELY though....easy.

Everyday I want you to shake up your mixture ...it will only take a minute...do this until you can see that all the sugar has dissolved, by this time the berries should be rising to the top...

You can now leave it to get on with making you some lovely sloe gin to serve up to your friends and guests...just give it a wee shoogle now and again...It will be ready to decant two or three days before Christmas or the last month of the shooting season..that is January...Or best of the best would be to leave it until next year ( but that rarely happens )

Pour a measure into a fluted glass and top up with sparkling wine/bubbly for a great alternative to Bucks Fizz !

Thank you for visiting my October page....Hope you will visit next month

Slange 

     Janet