Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Small saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the rum over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Add the raisins and let them soak for 10 minutes. Drain the raisins and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, beating until well combined.
4. Add the rum-soaked raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the butter mixture. Beat until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the hard sauce to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature for the butter
- Medium heat for the rum
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of hard sauce
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Sugar: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use brandy or whiskey instead of rum.
- You can use dried cranberries or cherries instead of raisins.
- You can omit the cinnamon and nutmeg if you prefer a simpler flavor.
Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before beating it to avoid lumps.
- Soaking the raisins in rum adds a boozy flavor to the hard sauce.
- Chill the hard sauce before serving to make it easier to scoop.
Storage instructions:
- Store the hard sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- Let the hard sauce come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the hard sauce in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Garnishes:
- Cinnamon or nutmeg
- Orange zest
- Whipped cream
Pairings:
- Serve with warm bread pudding or apple pie.
Suggested side dishes:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the hard sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the hard sauce is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the butter is fresh and not expired.
- Store the hard sauce in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
Food history:
- Hard sauce is a traditional English condiment that is typically served with pudding or cake.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, buttery, boozy, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the hard sauce at room temperature or slightly chilled.
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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Rum, Raisin, Rum-Flavored, Raisin-Flecked