I'm glad it all worked out, even without the lye, Westelle! The last time we were over there, I completely forgot to ask DFIL what he used this year instead of lye. And they even had the huge jars lined up in the kitchen and were adding massive amounts of garlic to most of them. I swear, I'm losing my mind. :D

I love the buttery/salty flavor of the plain olives, but DH prefers getting his breath all stinky with the garlic ones. LOL

Pear-anything Liqueur sounds VERY yummy! MMMMM!

Brenda

lpinkmountain 5b/6a border PA (My Page) on Wed, Oct 31, 07 at 21:06

Here's something that might be fun to try, from one of my favorite out of print books, "The Herbal Pantry" by Emilie Tolley.

Pear Ginger Liqueur

8 very ripe pears, about 4 cups
2 inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
4 cups vodka
1/2 cup white wine
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2 cups sugar
1 cup water

Combine the pears, ginger, vodka and wine in a large jar with a tight-fitting cover. Place in a cool dark place to steep for one month.

Crush the pears slightly with a wooden spoon or potato masher and steep for another 4 days.

Strain the liquid, pressing and much juice as possible from the pears, then filter.

Boil the sugar and water together in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved; cool, then gradually stir into the liquer, tasting as you go. When the liqueur has reached the desired level of sweetness, bottle and age for an additional 3 weeks in a cool, dark place.

You could then probably add this to taste to warm wine. Could also probably use red wine in the recipe.

That sounds so delicious. I especially like the "tasting as you go" part. LOL By the time I got it right, I'd be thinking, Thish tashtesh great! *hiccup* :D

Brenda the Lightweight