Homemade Cassis Recipes

HOMEMADE CASSIS (MARTHA STEWART)

Steps:

• Place the currants in a medium saucepan and mash with a potato masher.
• Add the sugar and 1 cup of water; simmer over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the fruit has released its juices, about 5 minutes.
• Turn off the heat, add the Brandy or Cognac, and carefully pour into a glass jar. Tightly seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator for a week.
• Strain the mixture into a bowl, then strain again through a sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean jar.
• To allow the flavors to develop, store at least 1 week in the refrigerator before using.

HOMEMADE CASSIS

Steps:

• Using a potato masher, mash currants in a medium saucepan. Add sugar and 1 cup water; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved and fruit has released all juices, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat; stir in brandy or Cognac. Transfer to a glass jar. Seal tightly, and refrigerate 1 week.
• Strain mixture through a sieve into a medium bowl. Pour again through sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean jar. Refrigerate at least 1 week before using, to allow flavors to develop.

CASSIS A L'EAU

Steps:

• Fill 3 glasses with ice cubes. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons crème de cassis in each glass and add water.

CASSIS STICKS

Steps:

• Combine the water and sugar in a nonreactive medium-size saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil and add the cassis. Stir gently to combine and remove from the heat. Pour the mixture into a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan or a rectangular shallow dish about the same size; it should make a layer about V2 inch thick. Place in the freezer until solid, about 2 hours. (At this stage, the mixture can be stored in the freezer, well wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to three weeks.)
• To unmold, dip the pan in hot water for about 5 seconds. Run a sharp paring knife around the edges to loosen the sides of the frozen mixture from the pan. Center a small cutting board over the pan and flip over the board and pan at the same time so the pan is on top. Lift the pan. If the pan does not come off, you will need to dip it in water again. Use a serrated knife to cut the frozen mixture into l/2-inch-wide strips about 3 inches long (or to fit in the glass you are using). Place one cassis stick in each glass and add Champagne. As the cassis sticks melt, they add a delightful fruity flavor to the Champagne.

CASSIS MANHATTAN

Steps:

• In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass filled with ice, combine the rye whiskey, bourbon, vermouth, crème de cassis and bitters. Stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds, then strain into a Nick and Nora or coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry.

HOMEMADE CREME DE CASSIS LIQUEUR

Steps:

• Combine the currants and red wine in a ceramic or glass bowl, and leave for at least 24 and up to 48 hours.
• Purée the mixture in a food processor or blender, and then strain it through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a large saucepan.
• For every cup of liquid, add 1 cup of sugar.
• Heat gently, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved.
• Do not let the liquid come to a simmer, as you don't want to boil off the alcohol. Then leave at the lowest heat for an hour or more, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced a little and become slightly syrupy.
• Allow to cool.
• Mix together 1 part vodka or brandy with 3 parts of the cooled blackcurrant-wine syrup, and funnel into clean, dry bottles. Store in a cool place for at least 2 weeks before drinking.
• Use whenever a recipe/cocktail calls for creme de cassis.

CASSIS CRISPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. Put butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add eggs and creme de cassis, and mix until combined. Add flour mixture, and mix on low speed until smooth.
• Divide dough in half, and wrap each half in plastic; refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Working with 1 half at a time, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick, and cut into 3-inch squares. Space 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Reroll scraps; repeat with remaining dough.
• Bake cookies until golden brown all over, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.

CASSIS MARTINI

Steps:

• Combine vodka, cassis, pink grapefruit juice, and ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously, and strain into a martini glass.

CASSIS SORBET

Steps:

• Bring sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup nectar to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then boil 1 minute. Transfer to a metal bowl and stir in crème de cassis and remaining 2 1/2 cups nectar. Set bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and let mixture stand, stirring occasionally, until cold, about 10 minutes. Freeze in ice cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden, at least 1 hour.