Hazlenut Liqueur

6 oz Hazlenuts*

1 Vanilla bean (1 inch)

1 pn Allspice

1 1/2 c Vodka

1/3 c Sugar syrup (see recipe)

Chop the hazlenuts to release the flavor of the nut and add to vodka, vanilla bean, and allspice. Age for 2 weeks, shaking lightly occasionally. Strain and filter until clear. Add sugar syrup, if desired, and age for an additional 3 weeks. Ready to serve. Makes a nice gift and is nice over ice cream as well as an aperitif. *Try using pistachios which also make a delicious liqueur. If flavor is too weak, add more nuts and resteep a week before adding the sugar syrup. Yield: 1 pint Container: Wide mouth quart jar