Nocino

Directions

1. 1
   Clean and quarter the green walnuts. They will be very soft and easy to cut. (wear gloves...walnuts really stain!)
2. 2
   Into a large jar or glass crock, put the quartered walnuts, sugar , orange zest, cloves, cinnamon sticks, juniper berries, whole vanilla beans and vodka.
3. 3
   Leave for 7 weeks, shake every couple of days (3?) It will become very dark brown.
4. 4
   After 7 weeks, take out all the walnuts, etc.
5. 5
   Strain the liqueur through layers of cheesecloth. Leave for at least 6 months, then strain again.
6. 6
   Put into unique bottles as gifts (I often use old Knob Creek bottles ...I have lots)
7. 7
   The Nocino will mellow and improve in flavor with time. I have a batch going every year---ready for gifting.
8. 8
   Remember that this is strong alcohol and drink responsibly. I recently gave a bottle to two friends who drank the whole bottle...boy did they have hangovers!