Frangelico

Photo: flickr user mararie

Ingredients

4 cups unshelled hazelnuts or 2 ½ cups shelled

4 teaspoons angelica root

31 ounces 80 proof vodka

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cup filtered or distilled water

1 teaspoon glycerine

2 dashes yellow food coloring

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 Shell hazelnuts. Roast nuts on a baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes and remove from oven. Allow to cool to room temp. Coarsely chop nuts and place in a large glass container.

Bruise Angelica root with a morter and pestle, and add to container. Add vodka. Cap tightly and put in a dark place for 1 month. Shake occasionally.

Pour mix through cheesecloth to remove all particles. After straining and filtering, measure the volume of the alcohol mixture. It should be 28 oz. If volume is less, add more vodka to make up the difference.

In a large sauce pan bring the water to a boil. Add sugar stirring til dissolved. Allow to cool to room temp.

Add syrup to alcohol mixture. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts, glycerine and food coloring.

Allow to age in an air tight container for 3 months. A second straining may be required after aging.