Credit: Bob Townsend
Credit: Bob Townsend
For most Americans, Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day — when, according to folklore, a groundhog seeing or not seeing its shadow foretells whether winter will continue or end soon. And today, according to that furry critter, winter is here to stay for at least six more weeks.
But Feb. 2 is also Candlemas, celebrated since ancient times as the middle of the winter season, halfway between the December solstice and the March equinox, with candles illuminating the darkest, coldest nights of the year.
Recently, I wrote about this festival of light, with recipes for a contemporary Candlemas buffet based on Scandinavian holiday celebrations.
And, of course, we had to have aquavit, the potent spice and herb flavored “water of life” that's perfect to toast the spirit and warm the body this time of year.
Look for commercial examples at your favorite bottle shop, or try making your own with this basic recipe.
Aquavit
Aquavit gets its unique flavor from spices and herbs, such caraway and dill. Traditionally served very cold, presented encased in ice, with a beer chaser. While its medicinal properties might be exaggerated, it is considered a digestif.
1 liter unflavored vodka
4 tablespoons caraway seeds
2 tablespoons fennel seeds
1 tablespoon juniper berries
1 large sprig fresh dill
Drain off ¼ cup of vodka from the bottle and set aside. Add caraway seeds, fennel seeds, juniper berries and dill. Place in freezer and allow to cure for 48 hours. After 48 hours, strain out the herbs and return to the bottle. Replace the ¼ cup of vodka.
Serve cold in small glasses.
For a decorative display, place bottle in a ½-gallon milk carton. Fill halfway with water and add flowers and sprigs of dill. Fill to the top and freeze. When frozen, cut away the carton and wrap the base in a cloth napkin or tea towel.
Makes 1 liter
Per 1 1/2-ounce serving: 100 calories, trace protein, trace carbohydrates, no fiber, trace fat (no saturated fat), no cholesterol, 1 milligram sodium.
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