Small Bites: August Food News
“My” Tai
Tiki drinks are perfect for hot weather — rum and the flavors of fruit (real or imagined) can take your mind to the tropics. The authentic version does not use pineapple, but another layer of fruit flavor makes for a very tasty balance. Here’s my take on a classic.
2 ounces rum (one light and one dark is a typical option)
1 ounce of Cointreau for a taste of orange
2 ounces Monin pineapple syrup (all Monin syrups are terrific)
2 ounces of lime juice to balance the sweet syrup (about the juice of one lime)
1 ounce Luxardo cherry liqueur
2 ounces tart cherry juice, also to counter the sweet syrup (and also good for your joints)
1/2 ounce orgeat, for a touch of almond (Unfortunately, most are artificially flavored. Alternatives include 1/2 ounce Disaronno, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or 1 teaspoon of Monin almond syrup.)
Put all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake well. Pour all into a highball glass and garnish with mint and fruit if desired. Heck, why not add an umbrella in case of a summer shower?
Where to Find Local Rum
- Tall Ship Distillery, Dover
- Sea Hagg Distillery, North Hampton
- Smoky Quartz Distillery, Seabrook
- New England Sweetwater Distillery, Winchester
- Haunting Whisper Vineyard & Spirits, Danbury
- Flag Hill Winery & Distillery, Lee
Pig to Plate
Farmer Jeff Backer and sausage-maker Dave Viola founded Short Creek Farm in Northwood in 2015. Together they raise beef and pork for retail cuts, sausage and charcuterie. The latter uses quality local ingredients when possible, as the Tsuga pork sausage ($14 lb., pictured) does. It uses Throwback Brewery Rhubarb Wit, spring hemlock tips, garlic and spices. Other sausages include beer bratwurst, English bangers, cheddarwurst, smoked chili and pumpkin, all in interesting variations. Dry-cured meats include creative versions of soppressata, bacon with seven spices and lardo with herbs. Find it at the Exeter and Portsmouth farmers’ markets and at the farm by appointment.
Short Creek Farm, 18 Winding Hill Rd., Northwood. info@shortcreeknh.com; shortcreeknh.com
Event of the Month
Fulchino and Sinatra: August 13
Enjoy an evening wine pairing dinner presented under the tent at Fulchino Vineyard in Hollis. Dance and dine to the sweet sounds of Mike Dutra and The Strictly Sinatra Band as he brings back the Summer Wind. Catering will be provided by Chef Robert Jean of Pig Tale. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. $149
