#bourboninfusion

[drinksmadeeasy]

Bourbon being prepped for Apple Pie Bourbon shots. Apple slices (2apples) 4 cinnamon sticks, 3 Demerara sugar cubes, and 1 shaved nutmeg. #bourboninfusion #applepieshots #shots #drinks

[placesharing-blog]

Fruition: Hot Buttered Rosemary + Fig Cider

The cider: fantastic. My only complaint is that it was a bit rosemary-heavy, but now I'm remembering that I gave into the temptation to stuff extra rosemary sprigs into the bottle (they just looked so pretty, I couldn't help it.)

But still, wow. I've been reading about how cold-process infusions are way more flavorful than heat-based infusion methods, and this particular recipe certainly underlines that point.  The rosemary, fig and nutmeg flavors are distinctly layered in this tasty beverage.

The letter is from my lovely friend and former housemate, Lauren, who is trying this infusion too.  Maybe she will send pictures!

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Rosemary + Fig Bourbon Infusion

When I went to college I forgot an important skill: being thorough with the things that only I see.  My dorm room floor and desk were tidy, but the drawers were bursting with crumpled homework, various pens and loose staples. I never sat down to eat breakfast or lunch.  Partway into first semester, I started doing this thing with my bed where I just covered my tangled, unwashed sheets with a blanket and neatly arranged the pillows on top.  I have constantly struggled to find meaning in the activities that aren't rewarded with others' attention.

This afternoon I made the bourbon infusion for this Hot Buttered Rosemary + Fig Cider by Beth Kirby for West Elm.  Had I seen this recipe a year ago, I would have felt crushed by the detailed work that goes into each step. I would have passed over it in search of something more immediately gratifying. Now, however, I'm growing to appreciate slowing down.  I still feel a bit of manic panic when I'm disciplining myself to do little things, like crushing up whole nutmeg when I have the stuff already powdered, but it's getting better.

An infusion isn't instant gratification.  It's the product of careful measuring and time. My reward this afternoon wasn't a finished beverage - I'll have to wait two weeks for that- but it was lovely to fill the kitchen with the sharp, earthy smell of fresh, whole nutmeg.