Fennel Vodka

A few weeks ago, I made this Apple, Fennel, Manchego Salad.  I used the fennel bulb in the salad, but was left with a whole cup of fronds.  I couldn't bear the idea of throwing them away, so I thought I'd stick them in vodka and see what happens.  It's delicious!  It has a light, fresh taste and the pale green is so summery- it's perfect for this weather!  Today, I added a spoonful to sparkling water and it was really refreshing.  Next, I plan on playing with a fennel-cucumber drink... stay tuned!

Ingredients

fennel fronds

good quality vodka (unflavored)

Directions

1. Take the fennel fronds off the stalks. Wash the fronds and dry them thoroughly (you don't want to introduce water to the infusion).

2. Place the fronds in a clean glass jar. Pick a jar that is the right size- the fronds should be packed really tightly (see picture on the left). Cover the fronds with vodka until they are completely submerged.

3. Place the jar in the fridge for 2 weeks, shaking every few days. Taste it at 2 weeks and keep it a little longer if you want a stronger flavor (I kept mine for 3 weeks- see picture on the right).

4. Once the flavor is to your liking, strain the fennel vodka into a clean glass bottle for storage- keep this in the fridge. Discard the fronds.