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) may cite sheer unadulterated laziness.  We say "not so!" -  and supply viable support for our intermittent "radio silence":

Drum roll please . . .

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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 cocktail inspiration, (a Pear Melon Martini) is featured on the Royal Caribbean cruise line's cocktail menu.   (One of us recently sampled this yummy cocktail on the Oasis of the Seas during 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 adds a dash of Gaelic cheer to your celebrations! (Recipe follows . . .)

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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 cocktail, and seached for the recipe only to find that . . . well, it was determined that a Cuba Libre is a rum and Coke with lime.

So which is it for you, dear readers, Cuba Libre or Rum and Coke? 

Whichever side you fall on in the great debate, clearly rum, Coke 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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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 Cocktails
Chefs like Grant Achatz and Wylie Dufresne are trying to revolutionize the mixed drink. Gelée whiskey, anyone?

Cheers,

JSTK

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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 and Gin Fizz Jelly Shots.  Additionally, we had a 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.

We were 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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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 first had a Chai-tini  cocktail after dinner over the holiday break.  (Ahem . . .now that you mention it, Yes, there was a fair amount of cocktail 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 cocktail 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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Kir Royale-ly Pleased With Ourselves

Kir Royale cocktail

"Kir Royale?  Oh yes.  Lovely aperitif.  Friendly at holiday gatherings.  Nice with a cheese plate.  Shouldn't be a problem to gelatinize.," we said, 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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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 course forgive 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 shoot next week.   Ah, prepare for the bright lights Ms. Royale!  Mr. DeMille, she's ready for her close-up!

Cheers,

JSTK

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Fond Tidings . . .

JSTK's holiday gatherings can always use a shot of gelatinized cheer!  As such, our recent efforts have been in the vein of holiday-party-friendly Jelly Shots, including Apple Martini, Green Apple Martini, and Pomegranite Martini. We are also working on an Eggnog Jelly Shot.  What Holiday Happy Hour delights might you like to see in enshrined in the Halls of Gelatin?


We hope to have photos of the three new holiday martinis and other creations up on the blog soon. JSTK's intrepid photographer, JSTK Annie, is still on assignment exploring cocktail related fun on the Continent (I can't wait for her to arrive home and debrief regarding her findings!).

In the meantime, perhaps these adorable pics of the Kamikaze (Raspberry and Regular) Jelly Shot will tide you over until JSTK Annie's return! The shots were created with lovely jewel-shaped silicon molds from Paderno.

Plated Kamikaze and Raspberry Kamikaze Jelly Shots, front view

Kamikaze & Raspberry Kamikaze Jelly Shots, ready for their close up . . .

Cheers,

JSTK

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