Johnny Iuzzinis Simple Syrup Recipes

JOHNNY IUZZINI'S SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Bring sugar and 2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Let cool completely.

SIMPLE SYRUP FOR MIXED DRINKS

Steps:

• Bring sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Let cool completely.

CRYSTALLIZED ROSE PETALS

Steps:

• Dip rose petals in simple syrup. Let excess drip off and transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Lightly dust rose petals with sugar to coat. Transfer rose petals to a baking sheet lined with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper. Transfer baking sheet to a cold oven and let dry overnight. Rose petals may be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

JOHNNY IUZZINI'S CHOCOLATE SOUP

Steps:

• For the Cocoa Puffs:
• Melt the chocolate in a glass bowl in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst, or melt in a double boiler. Roll the Cocoa Puffs in the chocolate, coating them completely. Lift them out with a fork, letting the excess chocolate drip off, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set. Store in a cool place.
• For the Chocolate Soup (makes about 4 1/2 cups):
• Put 1 cup of the milk in a small saucepan with the juniper berries. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the juniper infuse for 25 minutes. Have the chopped chocolate ready in a heatproof bowl, and, remember, the finer you've chopped the chocolate, the better.
• Bring the milk back to a boil, then strain into a measuring cup. Add some of the remaining 3 cups milk, if needed, to make 1 cup. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate, let it sit for a moment, then whisk to melt the chocolate and make an emulsion.
• Pour in the rest of the cold milk, and froth the soup with an immersion blender. Transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
• For the Devon Foam:
• Whisk the heavy cream and Devon cream together in a bowl until thick. Whisk in the milk, then froth with an immersion blender (add additional milk if you need to). Transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
• To Serve:
• Thin the chocolate soup with some cold milk if it's too thick to sip, and froth it again with an immersion blender.
• Divide the soup among sixteen small glasses (for tasting portions) or among eight coffee cups. Drop in a few of the Cocoa Puffs, then spoon on a layer of the Devon foam. Top with a few more Cocoa Puffs.

PEAR GELéE

Steps:

• Run a 9 x 12-inch rimmed baking sheet under cold water and shake off the excess. Line the damp pan neatly with plastic wrap. (The water will help the plastic stick to the pan.)
• Put the water in a small bowl and sprinkle with the gelatin. Let sit for at least 1 minute. Microwave for 30 seconds or heat gently in a saucepan until melted.
• Combine the simple syrup and eau-de-vie in a large measuring cup. Add the gelatin and whisk for about 45 seconds. Whisk in the zest.
• Pour into the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. To serve, turn out onto a cutting board and cut into small squares. Or use a whisk to break the gelée up into irregular shapes.