December week 1, Juniper Berries!

Well, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I know that I did! Family is always a nice way to get yourselves ready for the upcoming Holiday season, when we get to do it all over again and invite people into our homes. I think that entertaining people for the holidays is one of the best parts of the whole season.

I am finding it a little difficult to get myself into the holiday mood this year. I am not sure about how the weather is where you are, but here in North Carolina it has been over seventy degrees for the better part of November now, and it does not seem that the first week or so of December will be too much different. With weather that warm, its hard to think about a season which is normally filled with snow and warm food and drinks and the like.

However, I love the winter season for its foods, especially when it comes to the desserts. I love the different kinds of cookies and sweets that you get this time of year, the candy canes, Christmas cookies, Italian desserts, all of it. For this week at least, we will stay away from desserts and move on to more savory flavors.

One seasoning that I always think of this time of year that does not get too much use the rest of the year is the juniper berry. All that it takes is one sniff, and you will know what I am talking about. Although its uses are rather limited because of their flavor, when you do get to use it, any dish involved becomes a special occasion. This seasoning imparts the flavor of Gin, or pine tree, which does not go well with many things. However, juniper berries go well in many sauces for poultry dishes, and with the different dishes that you may serve this holiday, these sauces may go well with whatever you serve.

If you haven't thought of it yet, I would suggest that you serve duck for at least one of your courses. If you have never had it, it is much more flavorful poultry than either chicken or turkey. There are any number of ways that you can serve duck, and it goes well with most side dishes. Try this sauce, Juniper Berry and Leek Broth. It will go well with the duck.

For something more deeply flavored, like turkey, a more hearty sauce will be required. Try this Juniper Berry Gravy, it will go well with either turkey or duck.

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