Loving the Leftover: Manishevitz Redux

It’s been exactly one week since the Maxwell House haggadahs have been put away. You have reunited with batards and beer and it’s already hard to remember the days and nights without them. Now, if only there was something to do with that leftover Manishevitz…

(image by cormac70)

Looking to cleanse your exquisite palate?

Manishevitz Granita

This recipe is a basic tool guide. I have no clue how much you have leftover. You may only have enough for an ice cube, which just might be one of my better ideas. Manishevitz ice cubes in your iced tea! Club soda! 32 oz Dunkin Donuts Marshmallow Almond Meatloaf iced coffee!

Ingredients:
Manishevitz (preferably Concord Grape or Elderberry)
Water
Juice and zest of 1-2 limes (or lemon)
Pinch of salt

Equipment:
Freezer proof flat bottomed dish
Fork
Oven timer if you’re forgetful

1. Combine Manishevitz with enough water so it’s flavorful, but less medicinal.
2. Stir in the zest and juice to taste, starting with a pinch of zest and 1 tsp of juice.
3. Taste the mixture. You want an intensely flavored base. If it’s too dilute, add more “wine”. If it’s too syrupy, add more water and more lime juice.
4. Pour the mixture into container and freeze uncovered for 1 hour.
5. After 1 hour, drag a fork through the granita to break up any ice solidifying on the top of the granita and sides of the mold. If your base is boozier, it will take longer to freeze.
6. Return to freezer and continue breaking up the ice clumps every 15 minutes for about 1 hour. This helps ensure the granita will be slushy rather than shards-like. Shardy should be a word, right? Drag the fork through the mixture well and scrape the sides, but do not press the ice crystals down.
7. Once the mixture is solid enough that you can’t drag the fork through it, cover the baking mold with plastic wrap and freeze at least 1 hour.

To serve: Place a spoon and the serving bowl(s)/cup(s) in the freezer for 10 minutes. Use the cold spoon to quickly scrape across the top of the granita, allowing the shavings to pile up in a mound, until you hit the bottom of the dish. Return the container to the freezer for 5 minutes. Scoop granita into cold glasses and serve at once.

Variations:

–Try adding some grated ginger/ginger juice
–Try adding Vodka.

The Lady McDeath*

Hate to vacuum? Turn the world la dee da delighful. Most improved spring cleaning award.

Ingredients:
Cava (I’m partial to the $6.99 Cristalino Brut Cava for mixed drinks.)
Manishevitz ( Concord Grape or Elderberry)

1. Pour the cava (~6 oz) and the Manishevitz (~.5 oz) into a flute. A mug will do.
2. Stir.

You’re welcome.

Variation: No bubbly? Think spritzer. Do it. I’m serious.

Other ideas, in order of desperation.

On Fruit: m ix 50/50 with balsamic vinegar and add to sliced strawberries.

At Brunch: pancake and waffle topping. Fresh berries are still months away. Thaw berries and cook with some good ole’ Mani, some lemon juice, and sugar if desired.

For That Family Member That Still Likes Wishbone Raspberry Vinaigrette: mix with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, mustard, olive oil, and salt pepper.

At Halloween: reduce Manishevitz over the stove until thickened. Fake blood never tasted so…good? (image by bfeely)

*Shamelessly borrowing someone’s roller derby name here.

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