Juniper Berries

I bought a little baggie of Juniper Berries (from Nuts and stuff - awesome place) and I've been looking online for ideas. Most of what I've found is for roasts and stews, but I'm not really in the mood to make a heavy meal. I did see an interesting recipe for calico carrots which is 1/3 potato, 2/3 carrot, steamed and gently mashed (just enough to combine them and get the "calico" effect), along with sauteed shallots, juniper, thyme, olive oil, etc... Thought that sounded pretty tasty. Anyone else have experience with juniper berries? I also saw a suggestion for steeping them to make tea, so I'll probably give that a try.

The first thing I thought of, though, was a red wine drink that Stephen made me once where he handed me a snifter with a couple of junipers to inhale before sipping the beverage. If I'm remembering that right? It was a few years ago. He said it was a sangria inspired drink. Super interesting.

[Robin Garr]

Here ya go, Food Kid! A savory blueberry sauce I dreamed up for a WineLovers forum challenge years ago. I doubt the old forum links work any more, but the recipe is all there, and it goes great on duck, pork, turkey ...

http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvis ... 0713.phtml

Oooh, thanks Food Dad! Love the idea of putting it on turkey. I've just had so much beef, sausage, and pork lately that I'm starting to feel like a little oinker, and all he recipes online seem to lead to rich or gamey meats. That recipe really does look awesome, I might just make some for Thanksgiving - I think my family is foodie enough to appreciate it.

Yeah... the umami sangria, forgot about that one.



I've been thinking about mulled wine this season, maybe we run on that flavor profile...

Thanks!

Gin

http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2007 ... t-a-still/

1 750mL bottle 100-proof vodka
1 750mL bottle 80-proof vodka

20 grams dried juniper berries (about ¼ cup)
8 grams whole coriander, crushed (about 2 tbsp.)
2 grams dried orange peel (about 1½ tsp.)
2 grams dried lemon peel (about 1 tsp.)
3 grams whole cinnamon (about 1 stick)
1 whole cardamom pod, crushed

by JustinHammond . . .
20 grams dried juniper berries

And that is basically why I donn't like gin. I feel about juniper berries the way some people feel about cilantro.

I use juniper berries in the brine for my Thanksgiving turkey--very subtle but good with the gaminess of the turkey.

I second Carols recommendation for juniper berries in turkey brine. We done it the past couple years and been pretty happy with the results. We have also taken to adding them to our brine(along with a bit fresh rosemary) when we do a pork loin.
Every time I buy some at nuts and stuff the guy asks me if I making gin. Maybe Ill have to give that a shot in the future.