Cooking with Vodka

Siberian Ice Squares

This is sort of a White Russian on a stick (ouch).  Maybe I should call them ‘Russicles?’ Anyway they're just the thing for a hot summer day.

225ml (8fl oz) vanilla ice cream

4 tablespoons vodka

4 tablespoons fresh espresso, cooled

chilled Espresso Vodka (p.145, The Vodka Cookbook) or coffee brandy for drizzling

1. Whizz all ingredients in a blender. 
2. Fill an ice tray with the mixture and freeze at least 24 hours.
3. Add sticks when mixture is slushy, about 1 hour.
4. Carefully remove from ice tray and serve on chilled plates drizzled with cold Espresso Vodka (p.XX).

Makes 4

Say ‘Za zda-ró-vye!’ not ‘Na zda-ró-vye!’

In my considerable experience (all in the name of research!), I have found that it is a rare occasion when a Russian will take a drink in a social setting without first raising his or her glass to make a toast.  And during my early visits to the former Soviet Union, I would clink glasses and utter the famous phrase that is still ubiquitous in American films featuring Russians: ‘Na zda-ró-vye!’ (Hа здоровье!).  But in fact, ‘Na zda-ró-vye’ is not precisely correct.  Close, but no cigarski.

Vodka Grilled Corn

Armed with fresh corn from the farmer's market and this recipe you will become king or queen of the grill.  Twenty minutes in the oven will also do the trick. But "King of the Oven" doesn't sound quite as cool.