Nutmeg Disrupted

 Winter time means citrus season, my favourite of all the fruits. And citrus means Buddha’s Hand citrons! I never knew about these until I became a Produce Manager, now I count down the months until I have them in store.

The day the Buddha’s Hand arrived you could smell its amazing aroma long before the box was found amongst all the produce. The entire warehouse was engulfed in the most amazing lemon smell. If you have never seen a Buddha’s Hand they are like no other fruit out there.

They do not contain any juice or seeds, and the white center is not bitter like you would find on other kinds of citrus. They are prefect for zesting and you would use them anywhere where you would use lemon. I am thinking I will candy some, similar to how I did the grapefruit rind. And some Buddha’s Hand salt is in order. A Buddha’s Hand salt rimmed margarita sounds fantastic!

The strong lemon scent seemed a classic fit with vodka.  The end result is a magnificent flavored spirit that you could drink on the rocks or mixed with club soda for a refreshing cocktail.

Buddha’s Hand Vodka

1 Buddha’s Hand Citron

2 cups of your favorite vodka

Wash the Buddha’s Hand well.

With a zester zest yourself 2 tablespoons of the Buddha’s Hand.

Place the zest in a mason jar along with one finger from the fruit. Seal and place in a dark cupboard. I gave mine a shake every few days.

Allow to sit for 30 days.

Strain using a fine mesh screen strainer.

Because Buddha’s Hands are only available in the winter these would make fantastic cocktails for New Years Eve. Start a jar at the beginning of December to have it ready for ringing in the New Year!

Buddha’s Hand Cocktail

2 ounces of Buddha’s Hand vodka

splash of Club Soda

1/4 cup of sugar

1/4 cup of lemon juice

lemon slices to garnish

Place the sugar on a small plate.

Place the lemon juice into a small bowl.

Dip the rim of the glass into the lemon juice then into the plate of sugar making a nice rim on the glass.

Using a shot glass pour a 2 ounce shot and careful pour it into the sugar rimmed glass. Add a splash of Club Soda.

Garnish with a slice of lemon.