Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Oh the Glamour, Part II . . .
Aviation Jelly Shot, blissfully unaware of its narrow escape from rampant authorial editorializing
In our last post, we covered the creative process and its sometimes unfortunate effects on our fashion choices, and but only touched on its effect on our grasp on reality/appropriate humor, etc. (Don't worry, this is not a PG 13 post.)
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Oh the Glamour . . .
Hello there JSTK-ers, just a quick note from the Test Kitchen. We miss you and are looking forward to impending manuscript due date, after which life can return to a regular old frenetic pace, rather than a crazy lunatic frenetic pace.
Lest any of you picture Amy (aka JSTK Annie) and I awash in luxury and plushy bathrobes, sipping negronis as we bask in the creative process, weilding fluffy feather-quill pens to deliver our oh-so-eloquent Jelly Shotting thoughts to paper, I need to come clean and strip you of any romantic misconceptions of the author's life:
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Saturday, April 17, 2010
Finally, We Share the Big News!!!!!
Hello JSTK-ers!You may have noticed that our posting has lapsed from to bi-monthly to sporatic. Some (i.e. those who know us well) maycite sheer unadulterated laziness. We say "not so!" -and supplyviable support for our intermittent "radio silence":
Drum roll please . . .
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Labels:Jello Shot , Jelly Shot , Jelly Shots in the News , Remiss Posting
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Lucky-tini O' the Irish
Lucky-tini Jelly Shot, with edible gold leaf garnish
Presenting the Lucki-tini Jelly Shot, just in time for St. Patrick's Day. The liquid co*cktail inspiration, (a Pear Melon Martini) is featured on the Royal Caribbean cruise line'sco*cktail menu. (One of us recently sampled this yummy co*cktail on the Oasis of the Seasduring an enviable week of sun and snorkel!)
As a special holiday and springtime treat, we wanted to share the recipe with you , dear JSTK readers . . . We hope the Lucki-tini Jelly Shot addsa dash of Gaelic cheer to your celebrations! (Recipe follows . . .)
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Great Debate
Attention Freedom Fighters:
The Cuba Libre Jelly Shot
Cuba Libre? One of us here at the Test Kitchen, and I will not say who, had never heard of this rather exotic sounding co*cktail, and seached for the recipe only to find that . . . well,it was determined that a Cuba Libre is a rum and co*ke with lime.
So which is it for you, dear readers, Cuba Libre or Rum and co*ke?
Whichever side you fall on in the great debate, clearly rum, co*ke and the optional lime makes an exceptionally refreshing jelly shot. The perfect accompaniment the next time you are hatching revoluntionary plans.
Cheers,
JSTK
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Jelly Shots in the News - WSJ Feb 1, 2010
Did everyone catch the gorgeous article in the WSJ yesterday featuring some very fancy-fancy NYC and Windy City jelly shots?
View and prepare to swoon!
Wall Street Journal / FOOD & DRINK
FEBRUARY 1, 2010
Chefs Cook Up co*cktails
Chefs like Grant Achatz and Wylie Dufresne are trying to revolutionize the mixed drink. Gelée whiskey, anyone?
Cheers,
JSTK
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Monday, February 1, 2010
Don't Forget the Gin . . .
Ingredients for Bee's Knees (along with the GIN of course)
This weekend was all about the subtle flavors of gin at the Test Kitchen, with very successful trials of the Gimlet andGin Fizz Jelly Shots. Additionally, we hada last-minute surprise entrant to the Halls of Gelatin -the Bees Knees, a completely delightful libation consisting of gin, honey and lemon. The earthiness of the honey against the bright citrus proved a winning combination.
Wewere surprised at how subtly the gin, a fairly bold spirit in its natural state,takes to gelatin form. This proved an unexpected about-face compared with our friend vodka, which can turn hostile and mean-spirited (aha! pun!) when gelatinized unless matched with the right balance of ingredients.
We will soon have some exciting news to share but will keep you in suspense, dear readers, a few moments longer. Until then . . .
Cheers,
JSTK
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Sunday, January 17, 2010
Helllloooooo Chai-tini!!
Dessert Jelly Shots in the Test Kitchen:
(clockwise from bottom left) Chocolate Martini, White Chocolate Martini,
Chai-tini, Grasshopper
We've been working on the dessert martinis this week, with excellent results. Notably, the ellusive Chocolate Martini, White Chocolate Martini, and minty Grasshopper, as well as a brand new dessert-tini jelly shot, the Chai-tini.
We firsthad a Chai-tini co*cktail after dinner over the holiday break.(Ahem . . .now that you mention it, Yes, there was a fairamount of co*cktail sampling over the holidays. And No, that had nothing to do with our lack of posting!!!)A heady combination of chai blended with ginger vodka, the Chai-tini warranted immediate gelatinization!
First we recreated the original co*cktail over several closed-door shaker sessions. Then the recipe was tested and tweaked to arrive in its final gelatin form. It was a tester favorite, and we have to agree . . . the Chai-tini Jelly Shot's dipped-in-cinnamon-sugar goodness is wonderful on its own, but complements the other dessert-tini jelly shots equally well.
Cheers,
JSTK
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Kir Royale-ly Pleased With Ourselves
Kir Royale co*cktail
"Kir Royale? Oh yes. Lovely aperitif. Friendly at holiday gatherings. Nice with a cheese plate. Shouldn't be a problem to gelatinize.," wesaid, with a tone excuding confidence and verve. "Champagne base, plus creme de cassis . . . so simple!"
However, the first batch. . . . runny.
The next . . . cement-y.
Several additional attempts . . . equally unfortunate for a variety of un-palatable reasons.
The batch we wanted to take to the New Year's eve party . . . . . . huzzah! perfect on top, but WAIT - grainy on the bottom.[sigh]
Finally, last week, a breakthrough in Kir Royale technology. We feel like Mesdames Curie! Except without all the radiation of course.
Cheers,
JSTK
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Monday, January 4, 2010
Over-due Apple Time
Hello JSTK-ers. Sorry for the long absence - we did miss you all terribly! With Annie in Europe over Thanksgiving, and the flurry of the holidays, the entire month of December just ran, fleet footed, away from us . . .
You will of courseforgive us when you see what we've been working on (truly we have been busy busy busy!). Apple martinis - Green Apple and a classic apple (with Apfelkorn) - aren't they adorable? Tasty too!
Apple and Green Apple Martini Jelly Shots
As New Years approached, our thoughts turned to bubbly! The Kir Royale Jelly Shot recipe was just finalized and will have its photo shootnext week. Ah, prepare for the bright lights Ms. Royale! Mr. DeMille, she's ready for her close-up!
Cheers,
JSTK
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