Infuse

Living in the South(-ish) has definitely had some effect on me. I’ve noticed that I’ve been dropping the “g” off of a lot of my words (e.g. “goin'” instead of “going), and I have wholeheartedly embraced the use of mason jars for everything–from storing spices to using it as a water glass, to making salads or puddings… They’re just so darn versatile!

The authors were college roommates, and are the co-creators of the mason jar cocktail shaker + a stainless steel infusion top. They actually came out with a book last year on cocktails, but since I don’t drink alcohol, this book was way better suited to my needs. There’s a whole section in here that I will likely never peruse, but for those of you out there who like to mix your own drinks, this would be a fun book to pick up! I’ll stick to the other chapters. ;P

Infuse

By Eric Prum & Josh Williams

Genre: Cookbook
Pages: 176

Infuse starts off with a short introduction on how they came up with the concept for this book (combining  simple, fresh ingredients to transform them into unique flavor infusions), and  is very simply divided into 4 different chapters.

The Basics

They cover the nuts & bolts on how to get started with infusing, the tools they use at home, the types of liquids and ingredients that you can use, and how time plays a factor in getting the flavors that you’re after.

So I’ll be honest. I don’t actually have any of the tools they listed (muddler, funnel, strainer, peeler, cheesecloth) other than the peeler. At some point, when I’m done moving all over the country, I’d like to expand my kitchen contraption collection, but now’s just not the time.

That being said, I could still make a number of these recipes, so not to worry! :]

Oil

Oil infusions with lots of tasty ideas for salads, or even grilled pizza! :]

Autumn (one of my blog friends!) recently talked about incorporating “Salad Day” into everyday life, and I love the idea. :D This definitely helps with that cause, since it shows you a variety of ways to make your own vinaigrettes and other types of dressings.

Burrata Caprese with Basil Oil

Sample recipes include Olio Santo (spicy Calabnian chili oil), Prik Nam Pla (not really an oil, but it’s a spicy Thai infusion that can kick up any dish!), and Garlic Confit Oil.

Spirit

I don’t drink, but if I did, I think I’d take a liking to this section. I may actually attempt a veryvery weak version of the White Russian, because I’m honestly rather curious–all the recipes look so good!

Spiced Pear Liqueur

Other sample recipes include the Overnight Limoncello, Grapefruit Tequila, Coffee Liqueur, and the Homemade White Russian.

Water

Staying hydrated is my nemesis. Remember my healthy life hacks? This section provides you with lots of different recipes to kick up the awesomeness of water–from soda syrup to iced coffee.

Summer Berry Hibiscus Tea

Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes with Blueberry-Infused Maple Syrup

Other sample recipes include Spanish Switchel with sherry vinegar, the Sunday Morning Reviver, the Hanoi Cold Brew, and Salted Lime Syrup.

Each of these recipes comes with prep (infusion) time + the yield, with possible substitutes/alterations where appropriate.

You already know how I feel about pretty food pictures, but what I loved most was that these recipes were all so easy. Very rarely did it ever call for more than 5 ingredients! (You may or may not be aware of how much I love coming up with super-simple recipes that call for 5 ingredients or less.)

Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for new inspiration and ways to jazz up their usual foods/drinks. The recipes are (thankfully) super, super simple to make, don’t require a billion ingredients, and you technically don’t actually need fancy tools (although they can probably make life easier) to make them. :] I’m also a fan of the fact that you can make large amounts of these to just store for later. (Yay for meal/food prep!)

I’m looking forward to trying out their recipes! (I’ve technically already made one, but since I’m still working on scheduling posts out through December, you’ll see it later on this year! :] )

• Have you ever heard of Infuse?
• Do you make your own salad dressings? What’s your favorite go-to?
• Do you have a favorite infused water recipe?

Check out my other book reviews!