Ah, winter—the season where every breath feels like a frosty whisper and every blanket becomes a cherished friend. On such days, there’s nothing quite like the cozy embrace of a homemade treat, and this Winter Kissel is just the ticket. Imagine a warm, fruity hug in a bowl, perfect for those evenings spent by a crackling fire or even just binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession.
Steps
- Wash and drain the dried fruits, then place them in a large pot with the cinnamon stick.
- Pour 6 cups of boiling water over the fruit, cover the pot, and let it sit off the heat for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, add honey to taste, and put the pot on the stove. Heat until boiling, then reduce to a low simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine potato starch with cold water, and pour it slowly into the pot, stirring constantly.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil and then remove it from the heat. Serve either warm or cold. You can strain the fruit if preferred, but we enjoy it too much to do so.
Ingredients
- 2 cups assorted dried fruit (such as 1/2 cup dried apples, 1/2 cup prunes, 1/2 cup apricots, 1/4 cup dried cranberries)
- 6 cups hot water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons potato starch
- 2-3 tablespoons honey, to taste
- 1 small cinnamon stick
Nutritional Values
Calories: 840 kcal | Total Fat: 2 g | Saturated Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 10 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 220 g | Dietary Fiber: 18 g | Sugars: 170 g | Protein: 4 g
FAQ
- What is Kissel and how is it typically enjoyed?
- Kissel is a popular European fruit soup that is often served as a dessert. It has a sweet, syrupy base and can be made with a variety of fruits.
- Can I use fresh or frozen fruit instead of dried fruit for this recipe?
- While this winter kissel recipe specifically uses dried fruit, you can also substitute frozen fruit if that’s what you have available.
- What fruits are recommended for making Winter Kissel?
- You can use any dried fruits you like. The recipe suggests a combination of dried apples, prunes, apricots, and craisins, but feel free to customize it with your favorites.
- How does the cinnamon stick affect the flavor of the kissel?
- Adding a cinnamon stick enhances the flavor of the kissel, giving it a warm, spiced aroma reminiscent of apple cider.
- Is it necessary to strain the fruit from the kissel before serving?
- Straining is optional. Some people enjoy the kissel as a clear juice, but you might prefer to leave the fruit in for added texture and flavor.
Tips
- Experiment with different dried fruits for unique flavors and textures. Since dried fruits are always in season, you can customize the kissel to your taste preferences or what you have available.
- For a thicker consistency, adjust the amount of potato starch. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you prefer a denser soup.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest when serving. This can add a refreshing citrus note to balance the sweetness.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to strain the soup to remove the fruit, leaving just the flavorful juice. However, keeping the fruit adds more texture and sweetness to the dish.
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot – If you don’t have a large pot, you might need one for this recipe to accommodate the boiling water and fruit.
- Sieve – Useful if you decide to strain the fruit to just have the juice.
- Potato Starch – While not equipment, this is an ingredient that some people may not have readily available at home.
