Mother-In-Law's Milk, or Latte di Suocera: La Suocera is as proverbial in Italy as she is anywhere else, and Italians (especially daughters-in-law) have come up with all sorts of ways to keep them content; one of the most popular items in candy stands at fairs is addormenta suocere, candied nuts that supposedly send mothers-in-law off into a deep sleep (my mother-in-law simply enjoys them). Those who like to make liqueurs at home can also try with this milk. They'll need:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/8 pounds (500 g, or 2 1/8 cups) sugar
- 1 pint (500 ml) whole milk
- 1 pint (500 ml) grain alcohol
- The grated zest of an organically grown lemon
- 1/2 a vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Preparation:
Combine all the ingredients in a wide-mouthed jar, screw the lid on tightly, give them a good shake, and put the jar in a dark place. Shake it once a day for 8 days, and then filter it and bottle it. Stopper the bottle, put it in a cool dark place, and let it rest for a month before you break it out. It will be a nice after dinner drink -- so nice I'd probably drink more than I gave my Suocera -- and will also work very well over vanilla ice cream.
Yield: a bottle of latte di suocera.
Yield: a bottle of latte di suocera.
