Andreas Viestads Mock Aquavit Recipes

MUSSELS WITH AQUAVIT, CREAM, AND TARRAGON

Steps:

• Throw out any mussels with cracked shells or that did not close when you scrubbed them.
• Heat the butter over medium heat in a pot just large enough to hold the mussels. Sauté the shallots and garlic for 4 to 5 minutes. Add half the tarragon, the thyme, vinegar, fennel seeds, aquavit, and mussels. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cover and let steam for 6 to 7 minutes, until the mussels have opened. With a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to a large serving bowl; discard any that did not open.
• Add the cream to the cooking juices and cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, until slightly reduced. Season with salt and a little more minced garlic, if desired. Pour the cooking juices over the mussels, sprinkle with the rest of the tarragon, and serve.

ANDREAS VIESTAD'S MOCK AQUAVIT

Steps:

• Open the vodka bottle, add all the remaining ingredients, and cover tightly.
• Let stand in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking every 3 or 4 days - how long you let it sit depends on how strong you want it, so taste it after 2 weeks to see if you want to let it go longer.
• When it's as strong as you'd like, strain the solids through a sieve and discard them, then transfer the aquavit back into the bottle.
• To serve: place your aquavit in the freezer until chilled and you can also place your 1 ounce tall glasses in the refrigerator until chilled - then serve (ask your Scandinavian friends about toasting practices with aquavit, as it can be rather complicated).
• Note: some people prefer non-potato vodka - use whatever you like.