Nocino

1. 1

   Clean and quarter the green walnuts. They will be very soft and easy to cut. (wear gloves...walnuts really stain!)

2. 2

   Into a large jar or glass crock, put the quartered walnuts, sugar , orange zest, cloves, cinnamon sticks, juniper berries, whole vanilla beans and vodka.

3. 3

   Leave for 7 weeks, shake every couple of days (3?) It will become very dark brown.

4. 4

   After 7 weeks, take out all the walnuts, etc.

5. 5

   Strain the liqueur through layers of cheesecloth. Leave for at least 6 months, then strain again.

6. 6

   Put into unique bottles as gifts (I often use old Knob Creek bottles ...I have lots)

7. 7

   The Nocino will mellow and improve in flavor with time. I have a batch going every year---ready for gifting.

8. 8

   Remember that this is strong alcohol and drink responsibly. I recently gave a bottle to two friends who drank the whole bottle...boy did they have hangovers!

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.