I wanted to start a thread devoted to these, so I wouldn't hijack the other threads I mentioned these on...
Here is a recipe for Limoncello:
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AUTHENTIC ITALIAN LIMONCELLO
1 liter of Everclear
10 medium to large lemons(some recipes include one lime, also)
1½ liters of water (6 1/3 cups)
3 lbs of sugar(6 1/2 cups)
Wash the lemons with a vegetable brush & hot water to remove any residue of pesticides or wax. Pat dry. Using a potato peeler, take all the lemon rind off of the lemons. Be very careful to not get any of the white pithe on the peels, or it will make it bitter. Place the rind-peelings in a large container(like a glass sun-tea jar) with the everclear. Cover the container and let sit for 7 days. On the 8th day, remove/strain the peels from the alcohol, & discard the peels.
In a large saucepan, make a simple syrup by combining the water & sugar. Let it simmer "fast" for 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature & add to the alcohol. Bottle and store in freezer.
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For Arancello(orange-cello) substitute 10 large oranges for the lemons.
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and here is the strawberry one:
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AUTHENTIC ITALIAN LIQUORE DI FRAGOLE
2 pints strawberries(washed, hulled & halved)
1 quart everclear
4 cups water
2 ½ cups sugar
Put the strawberries in a gallon glass jar. Pour in everclear and cover. Let sit for about 2 days in a dark cool place. Spin contents of the jar 4 or 5 times a day to mix. Strain and discard the strawberries. Combine sugar and water over medium flame, and heat until sugar becomes clear-do not boil. When syrup cools, add to the alcohol. Store several more days, then put in freezer.
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I get the bottles at World Market/Cost Plus, the Container Store, Michaels craft store(the cork ones) & have been told to look at BigLots, also...
This is fun to make and they make really nice Christmas gifts, or stocking stuffers.
-T
