Carambola Vodka

The carambola, also known as starfruit, is a tropical and subtropical fruit. In the United States, carambolas are grown in tropical and semitropical areas, including Texas, Florida and Hawaii. Ripe yellow carambolas are sweet without being overwhelming as they rarely have more than 4% sugar content. They have a tart, sour undertone, and an oxalic acid odor. Their delicious taste is difficult to compare, but it has been likened to a mix of apple, pear, grape, and citrus family fruits.

Instructions

1. Slice carambolas across into 1/8 inch thick stars.
2. Mix with vodka adding clove.
3. Macerate for 3 weeks in a closed jar. Shake the jar once a week.
4. Strain and filter. Infusion is very clear.
5. Mix carambola infusion with 200 ml honey.
6. Pour into bottles.

Available from Amazon

The Practical Guide to Making Salami is a companion book to The Art of Making Fermented Sausages, published in 2008. Since then, more information has become available; safety standards have been updated and tightened, new cultures have appeared, and getting supplies and newer equipment online has become more accessible. The most relevant theory has been transferred from The Art of Making Fermented Sausages. Still, The Practical Guide to Making Salami includes plenty of new materials such as fermented spreadable sausages, acidified sausages, or combining acidulants with natural fermentation. The recipes section has been expanded and includes 264 selected recipes from different countries so the reader can immediately produce sausages.