Bitters in New Orleans

I don't know how many of you know, that the cocktail is claimed to have been first created in New Orleans. Well a creole apothecary, Antoine Peychaud mixed a cocktail with his bitters in the 1800's and created history. There is even a Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans. Ever since his concoction, Peychauds bitters has been famous throughout the United States and certainly best known in New Orleans. The cocktail that is most famous in that area is the Sazerac. In fact, in 2008, this cocktail was named the official cocktail of New Orleans. Visit this site for more on the cocktail's history - GumboPages.com

I am very proud to say that Angostura aromatic bitters is also included. Here is the recipe.

1/2 teaspoon absinthe, or Herbsaint (a New Orleans brand of anise liqueur)
1 teaspoon of simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon of gran. sugar)
4 dashes Peychaud's bitters
1 small dash, of Angostura bitters (extremely optional; some feel it helps open the flavors).
2 ounces rye whiskey.
Strip of lemon peel

The traditional method: Pack a 3-1/2 ounce Old Fashioned (rocks) glass with ice. In another Old Fashioned glass, moisten the sugar cube with just enough water to saturate it, then crush. Blend with the whiskey and bitters. Add a few cubes of ice and stir to chill. Discard the ice from the first glass and pour in the Herbsaint. Coat the inside of the entire glass, pouring out the excess. Strain the whiskey into the Herbsaint coated glass. Twist the lemon peel over the glass so that the lemon oil cascades into the drink, then rub the peel over the rim of the glass; do not put the twist in the drink. Or, as Stanley Clisby Arthur says, "Do not commit the sacrilege of dropping the peel into the drink."

A team from Angsotura will be visiting New Orleans for the biggest cocktail event ever, the Tales of Cocktails from July 20 - 25. We are going to make our presence felt.

Orange Bitters in Scrambled Eggs

Have you ever put Angostura bitters in scrambled eggs? What about Orange bitters? Well a colleague of mine mentioned to me that she puts a dash or two of Orange bitters in her scrambled eggs and it is to die for. Her kids love it, where before, they found it bland. There are so many stories of people using bitters and orange bitters in different unique ways.

One person put the Orange bitters in their choco-coffee - a combination of chocolate mix and coffee. I tried it recently and oh what an aroma, what a great rich taste. Another told me about using the aromatic bitters in milk with a shot of rum......can you imagine; Rum, milk and bitters? Well I am certainly going to try that one out pronto.

There are many interesting ways of using these unique products, I recommend that you start trying them in your everyday cooking and see what you get out of it. You may be surprised, some wonderful recipes can be created. Share them with us here on the bitters blog.

I recently came across a blogger who loves Angostura aromatic bitters…….I wondered what were her reasons and what she used it for, so I decided to chat with her to find out more….

Incidentally, she has Trini roots, which will explain why she uses the product so much I learnt. Her mother, grandmother, grandfather and all her uncles and aunts are from Trinidad. She, however, was born in Los Angeles and currently lives in Hailey Idaho in the Sun Valley resort area. She is a Cordon Bleu Chef in pastry and baking. She owns a snack bar and a candy shop and also created the blog called “Inspired Home Chef “ two years ago. Who is this chef you wonder? Her name is Julie Noble.

Julie was first introduced to Angostura bitters when she was a child. Her grandmother used to put it in milk with some sugar for her every evening and she has been hooked on it ever since. So much so, she says she really loves it in sweet things. She says it is enhanced when married with sugar, this is why it is a wonderful additive to most desserts.

She says “ I love the product and its unique flavor. I love to experiment with it. I have turned many people on to its flavor and to use it in cooking. My friends all use it now.” She always tells people that “bitters has that old world class charm - just take a look at the bottle”.......She thinks that the spicy citrusy flavor is unique and edgy. “Edgy in a way that it adds something that cannot be imitated by using another ingredient. The flavour is so unique and special it will grow on you.” She said.

Julie admits that her favourite sweet dish using bitters is cheesecake, and savoury is Turkey burgers. “And what about our orange bitters” I asked her. She replied..... I have used orange bitters in many things, my favourite is my chocolate orange pudding. I was able to buy several bottles on my trip to Trinidad 2 years ago, but I cannot find it to purchase here in Idaho or in Los Angeles though! That will all change in the near future I assured her.

Well did anyone like the Orange bitters wings? When I tried them they were delicious. Any way, I interviewed an avid Angostura aromatic bitters fan. Her name is Julie Noble who is a food blogger and chef who looks for inspiration in her cooking every day. She shared lovely recipes made with the bitters with her readers. I have asked her some questions and await the answers. When i have them, you will be the first to know.

Orange bitters recipes

Ok so one of our reliable chefs gave me this recipe to try and it is absolutely delicious.......Why don't you try some this weekend?

Chili Orange Sticky Wings

Ingredients:

8 Chicken wings

Marinade:
1/3 cup honey
1 tbs minced garlic
1/4 cup Angostura pramge notters
1 tsp Oriental sesame oil
1 tbs Chinese Chilli Garlic Sauce
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Salt
1/3 cup sesame seeds

Sauce:
2 tbs Angostura orange bitters
1 tbs minced garlic
2 tbs soy sauce

Method:
Divide wings into small drumstick and wing pieces (you should have 16 pieces). Combine marinade ingredients, pour onto wings and combine well. Cover and marinate for one hour in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place wings into a shallow, greased baking dish or pan, bake until cooked through turning once about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine all the ingredients for the sauce except the sesame seeds and stir well. Baste chicken wings generously with sauce, return to oven and bake turning a few times and basting with all the sauce, until sticky and bubbly. Remove from oven, sprinkle wiht sesame seeds and garnish with chopped chadon beni if desired.

Makes 16 pieces

Angostura bitters is considered by many as the essential drop for many cocktails. The product is known the world over but where it is used the most, is the big question. Also, despite where it is distributed to, the product seems to find itself in countries where distribution is not known. How is that you may ask? Well the answer may well be as secret as the product, but I suspect the suitcase trade has not died. What do you think?

ANGOSTURA ORANGE BITTERS

Did you know?...........In 2007, Angostura Orange Bitters was created for bartenders and mixologists by the makers of the world famous Angostura aromatic bitters. It is the first line extension of the almost 200 year old signature product.

It is a blend of citrus essence, oils from bitter and sweet oranges, herbs and spices has produced bitters with a depth of citrus flavour that can transform a wide range of cocktails. The 10cl bottle retains the famous oversize label of the original, with a distinctive orange peel design.

This is the first new bitters product launched by the company since Dr Johan Siegert created the original aromatic bitters in the town of Angostura in 1824. Angostura Orange Bitters has come into its own and since its creation, experienced bartenders and cocktail aficionados are considering it an indispensable ingredient in many of the world’s best cocktails, along with its famous relative.

If you have not seen the product yet, look out for it.............why not share how you would choose to use it?